Labour MP Oxford East

Date of birth

1 February 1951

Political profile

Andrew Smith was one of the prime movers in the 2002 cabinet reshuffle forced by the resignation of Transport Secretary Stephen Byers.

He took over as Work and Pensions Secretary, promotion from chief secretary to the Treasury - one of the lowest profile cabinet posts.

Mr Smith was well-regarded by both Gordon Brown and Tony Blair and prior to his entry into the cabinet served as an employment minister, entrusted with Labour's flagship 'welfare-to-work' policy.

He was also given, in the 2001 election, the role of being the Cabinet's leading Conservative-basher.

Mr Smith was a hard-working and skilled minister, known for his mastery of detail.

His most memorable rhetorical moment came when, as shadow transport secretary, he denounced the proposed privatisation of the UK's air traffic system, declaring that 'our air is not for sale'.

Once in power Labour decided to part-privatise the air traffic system.

Mr Smith was first elected to the Commons in 1987, after a career in the co-operative movement.

Contact

Commons office: 020 7219 5102
Constituency office: 01865 772893