MoJ names Cindy Butts as preferred Independent Public Advocate candidate
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has selected Cindy Butts as the preferred candidate for the newly created Independent Public Advocate (IPA) role, established under the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024. The position, subject to Justice Select Committee approval, carries a five-year term and powers to produce independent reports on major incidents, support victims through investigations and advise government on review processes. The IPA will oversee cases where the Secretary of State declares events have caused death or serious harm to significant numbers in England or Wales.