VICTIMS COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCED

04.09.25 | News

The Lord Chancellor has today announced that Claire Waxman OBE has been appointed the next Victims Commissioner for England and Wales.

Claire is currently the Victims Commissioner for London and has worked tirelessly for many years to improve the landscape for all victims; putting voices at the centre of the Mayor of London’s Police and Crime Plan; worked with the Metropolitan Police to improve their services for victims; and tirelessly campaigned for greater support for everyone affected by stalking as a victim herself.

Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, said: 

“The Victims’ Commissioner is an invaluable role that promotes victims’ interests in the justice system.

“Claire’s accomplishments as London’s Independent Victims’ Commissioner more than qualify her for this role. I have every faith she will be a dedicated and steadfast voice for victims and witnesses.”

Our CEO, Duncan Craig OBE said:

“I am delighted with the news that Claire will succeed Baroness Newlove as the new Victims Commissioner for England and Wales.

She has been such a strong and powerful advocate for victims for years and I have had the absolute pleasure of working with Claire for many years including as members of the Victims Advisory Panel for Baroness Newlove in her first tenure as VC, Dame Vera Baird during her tenure and currently with Baroness Newlove who returned temporarily to hold the office.

Claire has always been supportive of our work with male victims of sexual harms and been a great personal source of support to me.

I have no doubt that she will continue to build on her legacy in fighting for all victims of all crimes, and use her incredible knowledge, her new powers as Victims Commissioner, and her own personal experience as a victim to ensure that victims are at the heart of all decisions affecting them.

I send my warmest congratulations to Claire and commit to continuing to support her in her new role which commences on 1st January 2026.

I also want to take this moment to publicly thank Baroness Newlove for once again ensuring that victims are not lost in the processes of the criminal justice system during her return as interim VC, especially as the Victims and Prisoners Bill went through Parliament to become the Victims and Prisoners Bill 2024”

The Victims Commissioner works independently of the Government to promote victims’ and witnesses’ interests, encourage good practice in their treatment and keep the operation of the Victims’ Code under review.

You can keep up to date with the Office of the Victims Commissioner on the website www.victimscommissioner.org.uk