Prisons minister James Timpson: ‘We inherited a justice system in crisis – but it’s stabilising’

This year, James Timpson was given the keys to the justice system. He also bagged Oasis tickets.

After a year in which he made an “unexpected” and “standout” career move, Timpson hopes 2025 will see his work on prison and probation reform continue – and that he’ll finally get to go to Tomorrowland festival.

But what else does the festive season hold for Labour’s prison minister James Timpson? We find out through our My Big Year series.

BIG ISSUE: What has been the standout moment of 2024?

JAMES TIMPSON: Being appointed as minister for prisons, probation and reducing reoffending in the new Labour government was certainly a standout (and unexpected!) moment. Supporting ex-offenders was a big part of my business career, and it’s already been a privilege to take this further.

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Are you more or less hopeful than at the start of 2024?

Definitely more hopeful. We inherited a justice system in crisis but it’s already beginning to stabilise. We have thoughtful plans for the future to better steer prisoners and ex-offenders away from crime, and make sure victims get the support they need.

What do you think the world got right this year?

I love the fact that women’s football is now viewed as a mainstream sport by many more people. 

What do you think the world got wrong this year?

We all need to be kinder, in both politics and daily life – I think it’s something we all need to think about going into the new year.

Did you get Oasis tickets?

Yes – we’re taking the family to Wembley in the summer and I can’t wait. Wasting hours in the queue was worth it!

What is your cultural highlight of 2024?

It was meant to be Tomorrowland EDM festival in Belgium, but with my new job taking over, I decided not to go. So not a highlight of 2024, but hopefully it will be next year.

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What would your browsing history say about you this year?

I don’t go online very much, but when I do it’s to see how Altrincham Football Club are getting on (we just missed out on promotion last season).

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What’s your biggest failure this year?

Since taking on this new role, I haven’t given enough time to my family.

What’s the one conversation you wish you were able to have in 2024?

That’s been the same for the last nine years since my mum died – to tell her how much we all miss her.

What is the oddest family Christmas tradition you keep?

I can’t say we do anything “odd”, but we always like to have a big walk in the morning and call our siblings, wherever they are in the world. When this is done we crack open some nice bottles of wine.

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What’s your big issue for 2025?

To keep working hard and help my colleagues change the dial on prison and probation reform. To do this we have to consider the results of the independent sentencing review. It’s an exciting time for change, and I know a lot of eyes are rightly watching how we perform.

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