Milton Keynes MPs pledge support for Leah's Law following harrowing murder documentary

RELEASE:(15.10.26) Yesterday morning, Callum Anderson MP met with

his constituents John and Claire Croucher, the parents of Leah Croucher, to discuss their

campaign for "Leah's Law" following the broadcast of the documentary The Search for Leah

Croucher: A Parent's Nightmare.

Broadcast on U and U&W this week, the two-part documentary revisits the tragic

circumstances surrounding Leah's disappearance and murder, a case that profoundly

affected not only her family and friends but communities across Bletchley, Milton Keynes and

Much-loved 19-year-old Leah was murdered by convicted sex offender Neil Maxwell, who hid her remains for years in the attic a house in Furzton.

Maxwell had a history of sex offences against women and, at the time of Leah’s murder, was on the run from police after a fresh conviction. He took his own life in 2019, just a couple of months after Leah vanished.

Tragically it took three years and eight months for Leah’s body to be found and during that time the city saw its biggest ever missing person hunt. All that time her parents lived through daily anguish wondering whether their daughter was still alive.

This week John and Claire Croucher spoke out in a two part documentary ‘The Search for Leah Croucher – A Parent’s Nightmare’, revealing the truth of the shocking case for the first time – including the overwhleming forensic evidence against Maxwell.

They described how a domestic burglar would automatically go to prison after a third conviction – yet a serial sex offender such as Maxwell was allowed to walk free after numerous offiences.

And, to coincide with the documentary, they launched a petition on Change.org for Leah’s Law to be introduced, making it mandatory for all sex offenders to be jailed after repeat convictions. You can sign the petition here.

If this had been the case in 2019, Leah would still be alive, they said.

This week John and Claire Croucher, together with Leah’s sister Jade, met with the Milton Keynes Labour MPs – and the response was immediate.

MP Callum Anderson told the Citizen: “It was a privilege to meet John and Claire. I have enormous respect for the dignity, courage and determination they have shown in turning unimaginable grief into a campaign for change.

“The documentary and the interviews they have given this week are a powerful reminder not only of the tragedy they have endured, but also of the strength they have shown in continuing to fight for change in Leah’s memory.”

He vowed: “Alongside Emily Darlington and Chris Curtis, as Milton Keynes representatives, we will be making sure their views are heard at the Ministry of Justice and will continue supporting their efforts to secure the change they want to see – and we will all continue to meet with the Croucher family.”

The campaign comes as the Government continues its work to tackle violence against women and girls. Across Milton Keynes, local organisations, schools, employers and public bodies have supported initiatives such as the White Ribbon campaign, which works to engage men and boys in preventing violence against women and girls and challenging the attitudes and behaviours that can enable abuse.

Callum, who is MP for Bletchley and Buckingham, said: “Leah’s murder was a brutal and horrific crime that devastated her family and left a lasting impact on communities across Milton Keynes.

“I am absolutely committed to tackling all violence against women and girls. No one should ever feel unsafe walking to school, travelling to work or simply going about their daily life in their local street or neighbourhood.”

Emily Darlington, MP for Milton Keynes Central, said: “As we continue the work of tackling violence against women and girls, we must never lose sight of the lives behind the statistics. Leah’s story matters, and no family should ever have to endure the loss that John and Claire have suffered. As a mother my heart, as it has since Leah’s loss, goes out to them.

“We must learn from cases like Leah’s and consider reforms that could help prevent future tragedies.”

Emily added: “John and Claire have turned unimaginable loss into a campaign to make others safer through Leah’s Law. They’re doing remarkable work, and I will continue supporting them.”

Chris Curtis, MP for Milton Keynes Norths, said: “Leah’s loss was felt deeply across our community, and our thoughts remain with her family. John and Claire have shown remarkable determination in turning personal tragedy into a campaign for change. Their efforts have sparked an important conversation about public safety, and I am proud to support them”

Cllr Lauren Townsend, Leader of the Milton Keynes Labour Group, said: “Leah’s murder remains one of the most heartbreaking tragedies our city has experienced. In Milton Keynes, we have worked hard to turn that loss into action. Through our White

Ribbon accreditation, investment in safer public spaces and support for survivors of abuse, we are committed to preventing violence against women and girls wherever we can.

“John and Claire’s determination to campaign for change in Leah's memory is an inspiration and I fully support their efforts to make our communities safer.”

The MPs have pledged to continue working with the family as the campaign develops and to ensure that ministers in the Ministry of Justice are aware of the arguments being made in support of Leah’s Law.