The Jo Cox Foundation has appointed the Labour Party’s former chief whip in the House of Lords Jan Royall as its next chair.

Royall, who became Baroness Royall of Blaisdon 21 years ago, will take up the role at the charity in September.

During here parliamentary career she was also leader of the House of Lords for two years until 2010 and was shadow leader for five years until 2015. She has also been a government spokesperson for health, international development as well as foreign and Commonwealth affairs.

Prior to joining parliament she was a senior adviser to the European Commission and is a trustee, patron and active supporter of charities including Full Fact, the Centre for Opposition Studies, Asylum Welcome and the ASHA Centre.

She replaces former Labour Home Secretary Jacqui Smith, who left the role at the Foundation in July 2024. Since then it has been held by interim chair Rosamund Blomfield-Smith.

The Jo Cox Foundation was set up to support communities following the murder of Labour MP Jo Cox in 2016.

Her sister Kim Leadbeater MP said: “I’m delighted to see Jan Royall taking up the role of JCF chair. Like Jo she is a strong woman driven by compassion and a powerful determination to make a difference.

“She brings huge experience and expertise to the job and I look forward to working with her on the many issues that Jo cared about.”

Royall added: “It is a privilege to be the new Chair of the brilliant Jo Cox Foundation, to carry forward its work fostering change in our communities, in politics and in the world.

“This very special charity, guided by my friend Jo’s vision and values, becomes more relevant by the day with the need to bridge deep divisions in our society, restore respect in our politics and champion social justice in our world.”

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