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Claire Waxman OBE has been appointed as the next Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales, the Ministry of Justice confirmed on 4 September. She will formally take up the role on 1 January 2026, succeeding Baroness Newlove.
Baroness Newlove will remain in post until the end of the year to ensure a smooth handover.
Appointed by Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood, the Commissioner acts as an independent voice for victims and witnesses, advising ministers on policy, championing victim interests and holding justice agencies to account. The role also includes promoting good practice in the treatment of victims and keeping the Victims’ Code under review.
Ms Waxman has served as London’s first Independent Victims’ Commissioner since 2017. In that role, she has worked to place survivors’ voices at the centre of policing plans, improve Metropolitan Police services for victims and campaign for stronger protections for those affected by stalking.
Her work in London has shaped national policy, including two rape reviews which contributed to the creation of Operation Soteria, the national programme to transform how rape and serious sexual offences are investigated and prosecuted. She also led a review of the Victims’ Code of Practice which informed the 2021 reforms, and has lobbied for legislative change through the Domestic Abuse Bill, Policing Bill and Victims and Prisoners Bill.
Earlier this year she published the London Victims Attrition Review, which reported that 40% of victims withdrew from the justice process after reporting, often feeling pushed out, and set out recommendations for systemic reform.
Responding to the announcement, Claire Waxman 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 welcomed the news of her successor’s 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.”
