The Right Honourable
Chloe Smith
MP
Official portrait, 2020
Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology
In office
28 April 2023 – 20 July 2023[a]
Prime MinisterRishi Sunak
Preceded byMichelle Donelan
Succeeded byMichelle Donelan
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
In office
6 September 2022 – 25 October 2022
Prime MinisterLiz Truss
Preceded byThérèse Coffey
Succeeded byMel Stride
Junior ministerial offices
Minister of State for Disabled People, Work and Health
In office
16 September 2021 – 6 September 2022
Prime MinisterBoris Johnson
Preceded byJustin Tomlinson
Succeeded byClaire Coutinho
Minister of State for the Constitution and Devolution[b]
In office
9 January 2018 – 16 September 2021
Prime MinisterTheresa May
Boris Johnson
Preceded byChris Skidmore
Succeeded byNigel Adams
In office
4 September 2012 – 6 October 2013
Prime MinisterDavid Cameron
Preceded byMark Harper
Succeeded byGreg Clark
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
In office
14 June 2017 – 9 January 2018
Prime MinisterTheresa May
Preceded byKris Hopkins
Succeeded byShailesh Vara
Economic Secretary to the Treasury
In office
14 October 2011 – 4 September 2012
Prime MinisterDavid Cameron
Preceded byJustine Greening
Succeeded bySajid Javid
Member of Parliament
for Norwich North
Assumed office
23 July 2009
Preceded byIan Gibson
Majority4,738 (10.2%)
Personal details
Born
Chloe Rebecca Smith

(1982-05-17) 17 May 1982 (age 41)
Ashford, Kent, England
Political partyConservative
Spouse
Sandy McFadzean
​
(m. 2013)​
Children2
Alma materUniversity of York
Websitewww.chloesmith.org.uk

Chloe Rebecca Smith (born 17 May 1982) is a British Conservative Party politician who has served as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Norwich North since 2009. She previously served as Secretary of State for Work and Pensions from September to October 2022[1] and Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology from April to July 2023.[c][2]

Smith was elected in a 2009 by-election following the resignation of Labour MP Ian Gibson due to the MPs' expenses scandal. Smith held a number of junior ministerial roles under David Cameron and Theresa May, serving two terms as Parliamentary Secretary for the Constitution. She continued to serve in the latter role after Boris Johnson's victory in the 2019 Conservative Party leadership election.

In the February 2020 reshuffle, Smith was promoted to Minister of State during the second Johnson ministry. In the 2021 reshuffle, she was appointed by Johnson as Minister of State at the Department for Work and Pensions. After Johnson resigned in 2022, Smith supported Liz Truss’s bid to become Conservative leader. Following Truss's appointment as Prime Minister, she appointed Smith as Secretary of State for Work and Pensions. She was later temporarily Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology during the time Michelle Donelan MP was Minister on Leave (Secretary of State), a position given to Secretaries and Ministers of State while on Maternity Leave.[3]

Early life

Chloe Smith was born in Ashford, Kent, in 1982.[4][5] Her family moved to Stoke Ferry, Norfolk, when she was three years old, and she attended comprehensive schools in Swaffham and Methwold.[6][7] After a gap year working for former Conservative Education Secretary Gillian Shephard,[6] she read English Literature at the University of York.[7] She undertook summer work for Bernard Jenkin.[6]

After graduating from the University of York, Smith joined Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu as a management consultant. She advised private businesses, government departments and public bodies.[6]

In 2007, Smith was chosen to be the Conservative Party candidate for the constituency of Norwich North at the general election.[7] She then took leave from her job, working for Conservative Central Office on secondment, to "draw up detailed plans to put our policies into practice".[6]

Parliamentary career

Following the resignation of Labour MP Ian Gibson as a result of the MPs' expenses scandal, Smith became the Conservatives' by-election candidate. At the 2009 Norwich North by-electionSmith was elected, winning with 39.5% of the vote and a majority of 7,348.[8] Smith became the youngest member of the House of Commons.[9][10] She took her seat in the House of Commons when the parliamentary break ended in October.[11]

At the 2010 general election, Smith was re-elected as MP for Norwich North with an increased vote share of 40.6% and a decreased majority of 3,901.[12]

On 14 October 2011, she was appointed Economic Secretary to the Treasury in a ministerial reshuffle, becoming the youngest minister serving in government at that point.[13] According to The Guardian newspaper Smith was appointed to the role because David Cameron wrongly understood her to be a trained accountant.[14]

On 26 June 2012, she appeared on the BBC Two current affairs programme Newsnight and was interviewed about Chancellor George Osborne's decision that day to delay plans to increase fuel duty.[15] Jeremy Paxman questioned the apparent change in her views on fuel duty.[16] The interview attracted much comment, being described as a "mauling" and a "humiliation" of Smith.[17][14] Politicians, including John Prescott and Nadine Dorries, questioned Osborne's judgement for sending a junior minister onto the programme in his place.[15][18]

In September 2012, Smith was appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Cabinet Office.

In August 2013, she was criticised for blocking identification of civil servants and public sector bodies responsible for £77m of flights booked through the Government Procurement Service.[19] In October 2013, she resigned from the Cabinet Office to "concentrate on the most important part of my job: being the Member of Parliament for Norwich North".[20]

In May 2014, she was awarded the Grassroot Diplomat Initiative Award under the Business Driver category for designing and conceiving the Norwich for Jobs campaign, which brought over 400 jobs and apprenticeships for young people in her constituency.[21]

During the campaign for the 2015 general election, Smith was mocked by political opponents for quoting a constituent's letter in her election literature.[22] The letter said she seemed "to act more like a Socialist than a Conservative".[23] Smith responded: "Clearly I am not a socialist. I am a proud Conservative. What the letter writer was saying was my work can appeal across party lines".[22]

At the 2015 general election, Smith was again re-elected, with an increased vote share of 43.7% and an increased majority of 4,463.[24]

At the snap 2017 general election, Smith was again re-elected with an increased vote share of 47.7% and a decreased majority of 507.[25] Following the election, she was appointed as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Northern Ireland working under James Brokenshire.[26]

Smith in 2018

In January 2018, during the 2018 British cabinet reshuffle by Theresa May, Smith was appointed Parliamentary Secretary for the Constitution, a role she had previously held under David Cameron. In February 2020, Smith was promoted to Minister of State by Boris Johnson.[27]

In August 2019, Smith was the victim of an anthrax scare in which she was sent a package of white powder.[28]

At the 2019 general election, Smith was again re-elected, with an increased vote share of 50.5% and an increased majority of 4,738.[29]

In September 2021, during the cabinet reshuffle, Smith became Minister of State for Disabled People, Work and Health at the Department for Work and Pensions.[27]

On 6 September 2022, the then-Prime Minister Liz Truss appointed Smith as Secretary of State for Work and Pensions. She was sworn in as a member of the Privy Council on 13 September 2022 at Buckingham Palace following her appointment.[30] entitling her to the honorific prefix "The Right Honourable" for Life.

On 25 October 2022, following the appointment of Rishi Sunak as Prime Minister, Smith returned to the backbenches.

On 22 November 2022 Smith announced that she would not stand for election to Parliament at the next general election.[31]

From 28 April 2023 to 19 July 2023, Smith was the temporary Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology during Michelle Donelan's maternity leave in accordance with the Ministerial and other Maternity Allowances Act 2021.

Political positions

Smith's political stances have included support for lower taxation, increasing VAT,[32] and opposition to the Lisbon Treaty.[33] She also supported the legalisation of same-sex marriage.[34] She singles out Benjamin Disraeli as a political leader she admires.[33]

Smith was opposed to Brexit before the 2016 referendum.[35] She endorsed Boris Johnson during the 2019 Conservative Party leadership election.[36]

Personal life

Smith is an active volunteer and fundraiser for several charities including Cancer Research UK and Sport Relief.[7] She is an atheist.[37][38]

In 2013, Smith married financial consultant Sandy McFadzean.[39] They had their first child, a son, in 2016.[40] In 2019, their second child, a daughter, was born.[41]

In November 2020, Smith announced that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer.[42] In June 2021, she announced that after chemotherapy and surgery, she was cancer-free.[43]

Notes

  1. ^ In accordance with the Ministerial and other Maternity Allowances Act 2021 Smith temporarily served in the position during the maternity leave of Donelan
  2. ^ Parliamentary Secretary (2012–13; 2018–20)
  3. ^ In accordance with the Ministerial and other Maternity Allowances Act 2021 Smith temporarily served in the position during the maternity leave of Michelle Donelan

References

  1. ^ "Chloe Smith Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved 25 October 2022.
  2. ^ "Ministerial Appointments: April 2023". GOV.UK. Retrieved 21 April 2023.
  3. ^ "The Rt Hon Michelle Donelan MP". GOV.UK. Retrieved 18 September 2023.
  4. ^ "The youngest members of the potential next intake of Conservative MPs". ConservativeHome. Archived from the original on 10 July 2009. Retrieved 24 July 2009.
  5. ^ McSmith, Andy (23 July 2009). "Today Norwich, tomorrow the world for rising star of Tories". The Independent. London. Archived from the original on 26 July 2009. Retrieved 24 July 2009.
  6. ^ a b c d e "Profile: Chloe Smith". BBC News. 24 July 2009. Retrieved 24 July 2009.
  7. ^ a b c d "About Chloe". chloesmith.org.uk. Archived from the original on 20 December 2009. Retrieved 31 March 2015.
  8. ^ Sparrow, Andrew (24 July 2009). "Norwich North byelection results – live". The Guardian. London.
  9. ^ "Labour braced for key poll defeat". BBC News. 24 July 2009. Archived from the original on 2 September 2017. Retrieved 24 July 2009.
  10. ^ "Tories beat Labour in by-election". BBC News. 24 July 2009. Archived from the original on 2 September 2017. Retrieved 24 July 2009.
  11. ^ Stephenson, Alex (24 July 2009). "Profile:Chloe Smith". politics.co.uk. Archived from the original on 29 July 2009. Retrieved 24 July 2009.
  12. ^ "Election Data 2010". Electoral Calculus. Archived from the original on 26 July 2013. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
  13. ^ Falloon, Matt (14 October 2011). "Chloe Smith appointed new economic secretary". Reuters. Archived from the original on 20 December 2011. Retrieved 14 October 2011.
  14. ^ a b Watt, Nicholas (27 June 2012). "Chloe Smith's Newsnight humiliation is No 10's fault, say senior Tories". The Guardian. London. Archived from the original on 7 April 2015. Retrieved 31 March 2015.
  15. ^ a b Quinn, Ben (27 June 2012). "George Osborne branded a coward after Tory minister's Newsnight disaster". The Guardian. London. Archived from the original on 3 April 2015. Retrieved 29 June 2012.
  16. ^ "Treasury Minister grilled over delay of 3p fuel duty rise". BBC News. 27 June 2012. Archived from the original on 28 June 2012. Retrieved 27 June 2012.
  17. ^ Freedland, Jonathan (27 June 2012). "How to play Paxman: what Chloe Smith should have said". The Guardian. London. Archived from the original on 29 July 2017.
  18. ^ "David Cameron denies George Osborne 'hid' after fuel U-turn". BBC News. 27 June 2012. Archived from the original on 30 June 2012. Retrieved 29 June 2012.
  19. ^ Holehouse, Matthew (5 August 2013). "Minister's veto keeps public sector jet set's £77m flight bill a mystery". The Daily Telegraph. London. Archived from the original on 18 October 2013. Retrieved 7 October 2013.
  20. ^ "Chloe Smith stands down as minister to restate what is most important to her: her work for Norwich North". chloesmithmp.com. 9 October 2013. Archived from the original on 16 February 2014. Retrieved 31 March 2015.
  21. ^ "Grassroot Diplomat Who's Who". Grassroot Diplomat. 15 March 2015. Archived from the original on 20 May 2015. Retrieved 27 April 2015.
  22. ^ a b Dickson, Annabelle (30 March 2015). ""If this is socialism I'll eat my hat" – Conservative candidate's campaign leaflet prompts mock-up". Eastern Daily Press. Norwich. Archived from the original on 1 April 2015. Retrieved 31 March 2015.
  23. ^ McSmith, Andy (30 March 2015). "Andy McSmith's Diary: Frozen Cameron reveals all to Heat – S-Word of the Day". The Independent. London. Archived from the original on 8 July 2015. Retrieved 31 March 2015.
  24. ^ "Election Data 2015". Electoral Calculus. Archived from the original on 17 October 2015. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
  25. ^ "Norwich North parliamentary constituency – Election 2017". BBC News. Archived from the original on 20 May 2017. Retrieved 9 June 2017.
  26. ^ Anderson, Stuart (14 June 2012). "Norwich North MP Chloe Smith has a new role in government as parliamentary under-secretary of state for Northern Ireland". Eastern Daily Press. Norwich. Archived from the original on 30 July 2017. Retrieved 29 July 2017.
  27. ^ a b "Ministerial appointments: September 2021". 16 September 2021.
  28. ^ Steven Morris and agency. "Man admits sending fake anthrax to female politicians". The Guardian. Retrieved 16 October 2019.
  29. ^ "Norwich North Parliamentary constituency". BBC News. BBC. Retrieved 19 November 2019.
  30. ^ Tilbrook, Richard (13 September 2022). "ORDERS APPROVED AND BUSINESS TRANSACTED AT THE PRIVY COUNCIL HELD BY THE KING AT BUCKINGAM PALACE ON 13TH SEPTEMBER 2022" (PDF). The Privy Council Office. Retrieved 28 November 2022.
  31. ^ "Norwich North MP Chloe Smith to stand down at next election". BBC. 22 November 2022. Retrieved 22 November 2022.
  32. ^ "Chloe Smith – Assistant Whip". Theyworkforyou.com. Archived from the original on 29 July 2017. Retrieved 29 July 2017.
  33. ^ a b Fisher, Chris. "Meet Chloe Smith, UK's youngest MP". Eastern Daily Press. Norwich. Archived from the original on 1 October 2009. Retrieved 31 March 2015.
  34. ^ Green, Jessica (3 August 2011). "Tory MP Chloe Smith supports gay marriage". Pink News. Archived from the original on 21 October 2011.
  35. ^ Goodenough, Tom (16 February 2016). "Which Tory MPs back Brexit, who doesn't and who is still on the fence?". The Spectator. Archived from the original on 22 October 2016. Retrieved 11 October 2016.
  36. ^ Cope, Lauren (9 June 2019). "Norwich MP backs Boris Johnson in Conservative leadership race". Eastern Daily Press. Retrieved 21 June 2019.
  37. ^ Chapman, Tom (15 July 2009). "Norwich election candidates tackle the issues". The Norwich And Norfolk Christian Community Website. Archived from the original on 24 July 2011. Retrieved 27 October 2010.
  38. ^ Waugh, Paul (13 October 2009). "Newest Tory MP – Young, gifted and atheist". London Evening Standard. London. Archived from the original on 16 October 2009. Retrieved 27 October 2010.
  39. ^ Grimmer, Dan (10 November 2013). "Norwich MP Chloe Smith ties the knot". Eastern Daily Press. Norwich. Archived from the original on 29 July 2017. Retrieved 29 July 2017.
  40. ^ "Chloe Smith MP welcomes new arrival". .chloesmith.org.uk. 29 September 2016. Archived from the original on 29 July 2017. Retrieved 29 July 2017.
  41. ^ Grimmer, Dan (29 April 2019). "Norwich MP Chloe Smith announces birth of daughter". Eastern Daily Press. Retrieved 1 May 2019.
  42. ^ "Norwich North Tory MP Chloe Smith diagnosed with breast cancer". BBC News. 2 November 2020.
  43. ^ "MP announces she is clear of breast cancer". BBC News. 29 June 2021. Retrieved 10 November 2021.

External links

Parliament of the United Kingdom Preceded byIan Gibson Member of Parliamentfor Norwich North 2009–present Incumbent Preceded byJo Swinson Baby of the House 2009–2010 Succeeded byPamela Nash Political offices Preceded byJustine Greening Economic Secretary to the Treasury 2011–2012 Succeeded bySajid Javid Preceded byKris Hopkins Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland 2017–2018 Succeeded byShailesh Vara Preceded byMark Harper Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Office 2012–2013 Succeeded byGreg Clark Preceded byChris Skidmore Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Office 2018–2020 Position abolished Position established Minister of State for the Constitution and Devolution 2020–2021 Succeeded byNigel Adamsas Minister of State without Portfolio Preceded byJustin Tomlinson Minister of State for Disabled People, Work and Health 2021–2022 Succeeded byClaire Coutinho Preceded byThérèse Coffey Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 2022 Succeeded byMel Stride
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Secretaries of State for Science, Innovation and Technology of the United Kingdom
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Conservative Party MPs in the East of England
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