Jacqui Smith spent over ten years at the heart of government and served as the first woman Home Secretary between 2007 and 2009.

Following a successful teaching career, she was elected to Parliament in 1997, became a member of the Treasury Select Committee in 1998 and was appointed a Minister in the Department for Education in 1999. As one of the longest serving Ministers in the Labour government, she was Minister of State at the Department of Health, Minister for Industry and the Regions, Minister for Equality when she was responsible for the Civil Partnerships Act and Schools Minister.

With a reputation for hard work, plain speaking and common sense, Tony Blair appointed her to the Cabinet as Chief Whip in 2006 where she was at the heart of government during the transition from Tony Blair to Gordon Brown.
 
Jacqui left Parliament in 2010 and now works as a consultant, trainer and broadcaster. She presents on LBC radio and is making documentaries for 5Live and BBC Radio WM. She appears frequently on BBC and Sky News and has written for The Independent, The Guardian, Progress and numerous blogs. She is a popular speaker and trainer with a style that is witty, punchy and thought provoking.