Jacqui Smith, a veteran Labour Party politician, has been appointed Minister of State for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education in Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s new government. This appointment follows Labour’s victory in the 2024 general election. Smith’s political career has been marked by significant milestones and challenges. She served as a Member of Parliament for Redditch from 1997 to 2010, during which time she held several ministerial positions under Prime Minister Tony Blair. In 2007, she made history by becoming the first woman to hold the office of Home Secretary under Gordon Brown’s leadership. However, her tenure was not without controversy, as her involvement in the 2009 parliamentary expenses scandal led to her resignation from the Cabinet and subsequent loss of her parliamentary seat in the 2010 election. Click here for more and here for 10 facts about her by FE Week.
