Angela Smith, Baroness Smith of Basildon, English accountant and politician

Baroness Angela Smith of Basildon, born Angela Evans Smith on 7 January 1959, is a distinguished British politician and a prominent life peer within the United Kingdom's parliamentary system. As a committed member of both the Labour Party and the Co-operative Party – a unique dual affiliation common for those who align with the Co-operative movement's political arm – she has played a significant role in UK politics for over two decades. She currently holds the influential position of Leader of the Opposition in the House of Lords, a role she has occupied since 2015. This key responsibility places her at the forefront of scrutinizing government policy, leading the Labour Party's legislative efforts, and articulating alternative proposals within the UK's un-elected upper parliamentary chamber, providing vital checks and balances on the executive.

Her parliamentary career initially began in the House of Commons, where she successfully represented the constituency of Basildon as a Member of Parliament (MP). First elected in the landmark 1997 general election, which brought Labour back to power, she served the Basildon constituency until 2010. Basildon, historically viewed as a significant 'bellwether' constituency, often reflecting national voting trends, provided the foundation for her legislative work during a period dominated by the Labour government, frequently referred to as the 'New Labour' era.

During her tenure as an MP, Baroness Smith gained extensive experience across various governmental roles. She commenced her executive service as an Assistant Whip from 2001 to 2002. This role is crucial for maintaining party discipline, ensuring consistent voting patterns among Members of Parliament, and facilitating the smooth passage of government legislation. Following this, she was appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, a junior ministerial position, serving from 2002 to 2007, where she took on specific departmental responsibilities. Her ascent continued when she became Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to the then Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, in 2007. A PPS acts as a crucial liaison between a minister (or the Prime Minister) and the backbench MPs, often described as the 'eyes and ears' within Parliament. In 2009, she was elevated to a full ministerial role as Minister of State for the Third Sector. This portfolio specifically focused on enhancing the role of non-profit entities such as charities, voluntary organisations, and social enterprises, recognising their vital contribution to society alongside the traditional public and private sectors.

The political landscape underwent a dramatic shift in the 2010 general election, which saw the Labour Party lose power after 13 years and the formation of a Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition government. Angela Smith contested the newly reformed constituency of South Basildon and East Thurrock due to significant boundary changes, but she ultimately lost her seat to the Conservative candidate. However, her extensive experience and dedication to public service were swiftly recognised. Shortly after her electoral defeat, she was appointed as a life peer to the House of Lords. Life peerages are non-hereditary titles granted by the monarch, typically on the advice of the Prime Minister, to individuals who have made significant contributions to public life, allowing them to continue their parliamentary service in the unelected upper chamber.

Upon entering the House of Lords, Baroness Smith quickly re-established her prominent parliamentary presence within the Labour Party's frontbench team. In 2012, she was appointed Shadow Deputy Chief Whip in the Lords, once again taking on a key role in opposition strategy and legislative management. Her proven leadership capabilities and deep understanding of parliamentary procedure led to her appointment as Shadow Leader of the House of Lords in 2015. This is a pivotal role that involves leading the official opposition in the Lords, challenging government policy, and advocating for Labour's agenda during the upper chamber's legislative debates and scrutiny committees. As a result, she remains a key figure within the overall Labour Shadow Cabinet, working closely with the party leader in the House of Commons to present a cohesive opposition to the government.

Frequently Asked Questions about Baroness Angela Smith of Basildon

What is a 'life peer' in the House of Lords?
A 'life peer' is an individual appointed to the House of Lords for their lifetime, typically in recognition of public service, distinguished careers in various fields, or significant contributions to society. Unlike hereditary peers, their title and seat do not pass to their children. They play a crucial role in scrutinizing legislation, debating national and international issues, and holding the government to account.
What are the responsibilities of the Leader of the Opposition in the House of Lords?
The Leader of the Opposition in the House of Lords is responsible for leading the official opposition party's efforts in the upper chamber. This involves coordinating the opposition's legislative strategy, challenging government bills and policies, scrutinizing ministerial actions, appointing and managing the shadow ministerial team in the Lords, and ensuring that alternative viewpoints are presented during debates and committee work. They work closely with the Leader of the Opposition in the House of Commons to present a unified party stance and shape the national political discourse.
What is the 'Third Sector' that Baroness Smith served as Minister of State for?
The 'Third Sector' refers to the non-governmental, non-profit segment of the economy and society. It encompasses a vast array of organizations, including charities, voluntary groups, social enterprises, community organisations, and foundations. These entities operate independently of government and the private sector, working primarily to address social, environmental, or cultural objectives rather than for private profit. Baroness Smith's ministerial role involved supporting and strengthening this vital sector, facilitating its contributions to public welfare and community development.
How did Angela Smith transition from being an MP to becoming a member of the House of Lords?
After losing her seat in the House of Commons during the 2010 general election, Angela Smith was subsequently appointed as a life peer. Such appointments are common for former senior politicians or those with significant public service records. Life peerages are usually conferred by the monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister, often as part of dissolution honours (awarded after a general election) or other political honours lists. This process allows individuals with extensive parliamentary and governmental experience to continue contributing to legislative and scrutiny work in the unelected upper chamber.