Claire Waxman named as next Victims’ Commissioner

Claire Waxman OBE will succeed Baroness Newlove as the next Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales, the Ministry of Justice announced today (Thursday 4 September). Baroness Newlove will remain in post until the end of 2025 to ensure a smooth transition.

Appointed by Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood, Ms Waxman will serve as an independent voice for victims and witnesses. The Commissioner is expected to act as an advisor to ministers on victim policy, champion victims’ interests and hold the government and justice agencies to account. Her key duties include promoting victim interests, encouraging good practice in their treatment, and keeping the Victims’ Code under review.

Claire brings extensive experience to the role, currently serving as London’s first Independent Victims’ Commissioner, a role she’s held since 2017. In the capital, she has been instrumental in placing survivors’ voices at the centre of policing plans, improving Metropolitan Police services for victims, and campaigning for greater support for those affected by stalking.

Claire’s work has not only improved the victim experience in London, but has also directly impacted change at a national level. This includes the publication of two rape reviews, which led to the development of Operation Soteria – a national operation to transform how the police and criminal justice system address rape and serious sexual offences.

Her review into the Victims’ Code of Practice led to the Government reforming the Victims’ Code in 2021. Claire has also lobbied for key legislative change through the Domestic Abuse Bill, Policing Bill, and Victims and Prisoners Bill, and called for radical change in handling victims mobile phone data and sensitive information.

She was appointed OBE in the 2022 New Year’s Honours for services to victims of crime.

Recently, Claire Waxman published the London Victims Attrition review which highlighted a national failure to deliver justice for victims, with 40% dropping out of the process after reporting with many feeling forced out. Claire put forward a number of recommendations aimed at transforming the criminal justice system’s response to victims.  

Responding to the announcement, the Commissioner designate, Claire Waxman OBE, said: “It is a true honour to be appointed as the next Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales. 

“Over the years, I have worked tirelessly to champion the voices of victims, survivors, and bereaved families – ensuring they are heard, better protected and supported, and that their experiences help to shape meaningful change across the justice system.   

“At this critical time, as we seek to deliver swifter justice and more accessible support, I look forward to continuing my work on a national scale to advocate for all victims and drive forward the much-needed progress that victims deserve.” 

Baroness Newlove, who will remain as Commissioner until the end of the year, welcomed news of the appointment: “I am delighted that Claire Waxman will be my successor as Victims’ Commissioner.

Having worked together for years, I know first-hand that her experience as an unwavering voice for victims in London will make her a powerful advocate for change on the national stage.

“I am proud of the work we have done to place the experiences of victims at the heart of the justice system, and I am confident Claire will build on this work with her passion and dedication. I wish her all the very best as she begins her term in the new year.”

Claire Waxman will formally take up the post from 1 January 2026.

• See the Ministry of Justice press release officially announcing the appointment.
• Read the Mayor for London’s press release announcing that Claire Waxman will be standing down as London Victims’ Commissioner.