Angela C. Smith - Parliamentary Career

Parliamentary Career

At the 2005 general election Smith was elected Member of Parliament for Sheffield Hillsborough. In 2007 she was appointed Parliamentary Private Secretary and chief aide to Yvette Cooper.

During her tenure Smith worked to reinstate the former Woodhead Line between Hadfield and Penistone. Mrs Smith is one of 71 MPs who have signed a petition to re-open the transpennine route and she has on more than one occasion headed debates in Westminster on the need for more railway investment in the north. She is one of 98 MPs who voted to attempt to keep keep their expense details secret on the basis of Member Constituent confidentiality, and in order to protect the private addresses of MP's being readily available to the public.

In 2009 Smith was one of the MPs whose expenses were highlighted by The Daily Telegraph during the Parliamentary expenses scandal, as she had submitted expenses claims for four beds for a one bedroom flat in London. In response she advised "The principle of supporting MPs to set up a London base is an important one. You will note from my website that I did not claim for home contents of any kind in 2008-09 and I never will again. I have received support to set up a London base and am grateful for that, but that’s it. Future replacement costs will be borne by myself.” Smith was also noted to have claimed for personal accountancy services provided by the husband of fellow Sheffield MP Meg Munn.

In July 2009 she introduced a Ten Minute Rule Bill to the House of Commons which if accepted by government would change the law to give people more legal protection against attacks by dogs. She works with the RSPCA and the Communication Workers Union on the issue.

The Sheffield Hillsborough seat was abolished at the 2010 election, but Smith became MP for the newly created Penistone and Stocksbridge constituency.