Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Cat Smith


Cat Smith is a British politician who has served as (MP) for Lancaster and Wyre since 2024, having previously represented the predecessor constituency of and Fleetwood from 2015 to 2024. Born in and a graduate of in 2006, she entered politics after working for a national organisation and as a for a local charity supporting victims of . In opposition, Smith held several frontbench roles, including Shadow Minister for Young People and Voter Engagement from 2016 to 2021, Shadow , and Shadow Deputy Leader of the . She chaired the Petitions Committee from 2023 until the 2024 election and has since chaired the Procedure Committee. Her parliamentary focus includes advocacy for youth engagement, democratic reforms, , opposition to , and . Smith gained the Lancaster and seat from the Conservatives in in a competitive marginal constituency, securing re-election in subsequent votes amid shifting boundaries.

Early life and education

Upbringing and family background

Catherine Jane Smith was born on 16 June 1985 in , . She grew up in a working-class family, attending state schools locally. Her mother was a Methodist, influencing Smith's early exposure to church activities, while her father, Alan Smith, worked as a trade unionist. Smith has described her family background as non-political, stating she "didn't have a political upbringing." Smith's paternal grandfather was illiterate and labored in low-paid manual work throughout his life, exemplifying intergenerational challenges in accessing education and opportunity. Her father failed the 11-plus exam but later pursued as an adult, highlighting a pattern of self-improvement within the family despite systemic barriers. As a teenager, around 2003, Smith relocated to , where she would later attend university.

Academic and early professional experience

Smith was born in Barrow-in-Furness and attended state schools there before moving to as a teenager. She began studying for a at in 2003, graduating in 2006 with a degree in gender and sociology from Cartmel College. During her time at the university, she joined the and served as Women's Officer for the , experiences that involved standing for student elections. Following graduation, Smith worked in research and parliamentary office roles for multiple Members of , including Labour leader . She later served as a policy officer for the , a national organization representing professionals. These positions provided her with exposure to policy development and constituency support prior to her entry into in 2015.

Pre-parliamentary political involvement

Local Labour activism

Prior to her selection as a parliamentary , Cat Smith engaged in activism within the in , including standing as the party's nominee for the University ward in the Lancaster City Council election on 3 May 2007, where she received 98 votes and finished fifth out of nine candidates. This marked her initial foray into electoral politics at the local level. Smith held several organizational positions in local structures, serving as branch secretary, branch chair, constituency secretary, and constituency chair, roles that involved coordinating membership activities, meetings, and campaign efforts in the area. As a young party activist, she participated in local events and faced an incident of attempted by a following a Labour gathering, which she later described as requiring her to physically resist and flee. These experiences underscored challenges within party organizing during her early involvement.

Advocacy and organizational roles

Prior to her election to Parliament, Smith served as Women's Officer for the Lancaster University from July 2006 to July 2007, where she advocated for and on campus, including campaigns addressing and representation in student governance. She worked as Communications and Office Manager for the Christian Socialist Movement, a Labour-affiliated group promoting Christian socialist principles, handling administrative and outreach duties to integrate faith-based perspectives into party policy discussions on and welfare. Smith also held a trustee position at a local charity in focused on supporting victims of , contributing to operational decisions and fundraising efforts aimed at providing shelter and counseling services. In addition, she campaigned as a candidate for the Young Representative position on the Party's National Executive Committee, distributing a emphasizing youth engagement, anti-austerity policies, and grassroots activism within the party.

Parliamentary career

2015 election and constituency representation

Catherine Jane Smith was elected as the for Lancaster and on 7 May , securing 17,643 votes or 42% of the valid vote share. She defeated the sitting Conservative MP Eric Ollerenshaw, who received 16,378 votes (39%), by a margin of 1,265 votes (3%). This result marked a Labour gain from the Conservatives, reversing their 333-vote from the 2010 , amid a constituency turnout of 67.4% from an electorate of 61,922. Smith's victory reflected targeted local campaigning on issues such as economic pressures in 's and sectors and infrastructure needs in , contributing to Labour's narrow flip of the marginal seat despite the national Conservative . Upon taking office, Smith prioritized direct constituency engagement, including holding regular advice surgeries to assist residents with casework on matters like welfare benefits, housing, and healthcare access. In late 2015, following severe flooding from Storm Desmond that impacted areas along the River Lune and Wyre, she advocated for enhanced flood defenses, pressing the government for funding to protect vulnerable coastal and riverside communities in her constituency. Smith also opposed proposed hydraulic fracturing activities in Lancashire, raising parliamentary questions and supporting local council decisions against permits, citing risks to the environment and groundwater in rural Fleetwood and Lancaster districts. Her early representation emphasized amplifying regional concerns in Westminster, such as underinvestment in the Morecambe Bay hospitals serving her voters, through written questions and debates on NHS resource allocation.

Shadow ministerial positions

Cat Smith served as Junior Minister for from 18 September 2015 to 27 June 2016, focusing on issues including rights and within the Party's opposition frontbench under . Following a reshuffle on 27 June 2016, she was appointed Minister for Young People and Voter Engagement in the , a role that later evolved into Secretary of State for Young People and Democracy; she retained this position through the leadership transitions from Corbyn to until her resignation in November 2021. In this capacity, Smith contributed to 's scrutiny of government policies on , youth participation in democracy, and , including submitting evidence to ary inquiries on . Concurrently, from 20 December 2016 to 19 July 2017, Smith held the position of Shadow Deputy Leader of the , assisting in opposition responses to government business and . Smith resigned from the frontbench on 29 November 2021, amid a Labour reshuffle, stating in her letter to Starmer that she was grateful for opportunities but chose to step down; reports indicated the decision related to internal party tensions over the withdrawal of the party whip from .

Post-Corbyn era activities and 2024 election

Following her service in Keir Starmer's initial as Shadow Secretary of State for Young People and , Smith resigned from the frontbench on November 29, 2021, during a Labour reshuffle, stating that the leadership's ongoing suspension of rendered her position untenable. She returned to the backbenches, where she focused on constituency issues and parliamentary scrutiny, including tabling questions on local priorities such as devolution and housing. In October 2023, Smith was elected by fellow MPs to chair the Petitions , a select role overseeing public petitions with over 10,000 signatures, defeating other candidates with 227 votes. During this period, she rebelled against the on two occasions in the 2019–2024 , including a November 15, 2023, vote supporting an amendment for an immediate ceasefire in the Israel–Gaza conflict, which she attributed to her Christian faith's emphasis on . Boundary changes from the 2023 periodic review abolished the and constituency, reallocating its territory primarily to the new and Wyre seat, which incorporated additional areas like Wyre Rural and parts of . Smith was selected as Labour's for this notional Conservative-leaning seat. In the July 4, 2024, , she secured victory with 19,315 votes (44.9% share, up 3.0 percentage points from the 2019 notional result), achieving a of 9,253 over the Conservative Cartridge's 10,062 votes (23.4% share). 's Jack Lenox placed third with 5,236 votes (12.2%), while the Green Party's Gina Cropper received 4,218 (9.8%) and the Liberal Democrats' Matt Severn 1,529 (3.6%), with turnout at 57.8%. Post-election, on July 9, 2024, Smith assisted in the ceremonial dragging of re-elected to his chair, alongside Conservative MP Sir David Davis, upholding a House of Commons tradition. She has not been appointed to a government position in the administration formed after the election.

Policy positions and legislative record

Domestic and social welfare stances

Cat Smith has consistently opposed reductions in welfare benefits, notably voting against the Conservative government's Welfare Reform and Work Bill in July 2015, defying the Labour whip alongside 47 other MPs to resist cuts estimated at £12 billion. In July 2025, she again rebelled against her own Labour government's Universal Credit and Personal Independent Payment Bill, which proposed tightening Personal Independence Payment (PIP) eligibility criteria, citing constituent impacts on disabled individuals during the second reading vote passed 335-260. On housing policy, Smith has advocated for increased local support to address shortages, delivering a March 2025 parliamentary speech highlighting Lancaster's crisis of insufficient affordable units amid rising demand. She has criticized insecure private renting and unaffordable as barriers for young people, attributing these to prior Conservative policies that she argued wasted generational potential by trapping individuals in precarious tenancies without pathways to ownership. In 2019, she endorsed Labour's manifesto pledge for installations on social to deliver and annual savings of £117 for low-income households, framing it as part of a green transition benefiting recipients. Regarding social care, Smith's voting record shows support for capping individual contributions to costs, consistently backing measures from 2020 onward to limit financial burdens on users. She has prioritized devolved on welfare-related issues like housing and childcare to empower local authorities over centralized control.

Foreign policy and international views

Cat Smith has advocated for an ethical foreign policy centered on dialogue rather than military intervention, stating in 2015 that "an ethical foreign policy doesn't mean bombing other countries, it means dialogue" and that "lasting peace" requires such approaches. In a 2015 statement on Syria, she expressed opposition to the barbarity of ISIS/Daesh, particularly its targeting of Syrian and Iraqi civilians, while emphasizing the need for a world free from such threats without endorsing broader military escalation. Smith has been a vocal critic of Israel's policies toward Palestinians, signing a July 2025 letter with nearly 60 Labour MPs calling for immediate UK recognition of a Palestinian state following Israel's defense minister's announcement of plans to displace populations in Gaza. In November 2023, she defied Labour leader Keir Starmer by voting for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, attributing her position to her Christian faith's emphasis on peacemaking. She has supported sanctions on Israel for alleged war crimes and violations of international law, as evidenced by her endorsement of a June 2025 parliamentary demand for such measures, and criticized the holding of British aid in Gaza as a weapon of war in May 2025, urging a review of arms export licenses to Israel. Smith has also raised concerns in Parliament about Palestinian civilians facing trial in Israel's military court system, highlighting reports of systemic bias therein. Previously serving as vice chair of the Palestine All-Party Parliamentary Group until May 2017, she has fundraised for Medical Aid for Palestinians, framing long-term peace as requiring political solutions alongside humanitarian support. In contrast, Smith has expressed support for against Russian aggression, praising Keir Starmer's leadership in March 2025 for bolstering coalitions of European and partners in response to fast-moving events. During a House of debate that month, she questioned the on 's potential accession, describing it as essential for countering tyranny and enhancing security. Her stance aligns with Labour's post-2024 election commitments to solidarity, though her earlier emphasis on dialogue suggests a preference for multilateral diplomacy over unilateral action in international conflicts.

Voting patterns and party discipline

Cat Smith has maintained a high level of adherence to the whip throughout her parliamentary tenure, aligning with the party majority in 98% of 301 recorded divisions over the preceding year as of the latest available data. This pattern of discipline is consistent across most policy domains, including , defence, and environmental measures, where her votes typically mirror those of fellow MPs. Exceptions to this loyalty have occurred primarily on welfare-related , reflecting a principled stance against reductions in benefits. In July 2015, during the second reading of the Conservative government's Welfare Reform and Work Bill, Smith joined 47 other MPs in voting against the measure, defying the party instruction to abstain amid concerns over cuts to disability support and tax credits. She described the decision as taken "with a heavy heart" after unsuccessful attempts to raise objections internally. A similar divergence emerged in 2025 under the government. Smith opposed reforms to (PIP) eligibility, co-sponsoring amendments as one of 13 select committee chairs seeking to block the Universal Credit and Bill, and subsequently voting against it in July after over 100 MPs initially rebelled. In debate, she articulated inability to support changes that risked undermining protections. These rebellions, numbering fewer than a dozen across her career per , underscore selective on social security issues while upholding broader party consensus elsewhere.

Controversies and public scrutiny

Expenses investigations and financial allegations

In May 2016, Lancashire Police initiated an investigation into the 2015 general election expenses submitted by Cat Smith, the Labour MP for Lancaster and Fleetwood, following complaints about potential undeclared spending. The allegations centered on failures to declare costs related to office rent and staffing during her campaign, as well as discrepancies such as declaring postage expenses without corresponding envelope costs, amid broader scrutiny of Labour Party candidates' returns in the 2015 election. Smith, then serving as Shadow Minister for Women and Equalities, denied any improper claims, stating that her team had complied with electoral rules and anticipated exoneration. The probe, which lasted approximately six months, examined whether Smith's reported campaign expenditure breached legal limits under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000. No charges were brought, and in November 2016, Police concluded the investigation without finding evidence of criminality, effectively clearing of the allegations. Following the closure, Smith described the outcome as a vindication, emphasizing that minor administrative issues in expense logging did not constitute wrongdoing. Subsequent reports in early 2017 raised questions about potential review by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) over related parliamentary expense claims, but no formal IPSA materialized, and the matter did not progress beyond tied to the resolved police inquiry. Routine disclosures of Smith's parliamentary expenses, such as £171,580 in office running costs for the 2019/20 financial year (including £150,558 on staff), have not prompted further probes or allegations of impropriety.

Personal security incidents and harassment claims

In September 2017, Cat Smith reported receiving multiple abusive messages on from separate online accounts, including explicit threats wishing that she be raped, prompting a into the threats as potential . Lancashire confirmed they were probing the messages directed at the , which she described as part of broader online trolling. initially declined to remove the posts, stating they did not violate platform rules, though Smith expressed frustration at the company's response to such targeted abuse against elected officials. Earlier that year, during discussions on parliamentary abuse, Smith highlighted receiving personal attacks that she characterized as bordering on racist, linking them to rhetoric from political opponents that she believed encouraged further online harassment. These incidents contributed to wider concerns among MPs about the security risks posed by public abuse, with Smith advocating for stronger measures against intimidation of candidates and officials. In October 2017, Smith publicly recounted experiencing as a young Labour activist, describing an incident where a male attempted to forcibly kiss her following a party event; she stated she had to physically push him away and flee the situation. She shared this account in the context of broader conversations on within , emphasizing the need for without naming the individual involved. No formal charges or further public details emerged from this personal claim.

Ideological alignments and criticisms

Cat Smith identifies as a socialist, integrating her political views with Christian principles, having previously served as an office manager for the Christian Socialist Movement. In a 2013 opinion piece, she explicitly stated, "I'm a socialist. And in no particular order I'm also a feminist, Christian, , trade unionist," emphasizing a commitment to confronting capital to fund social programs, which she contrasts with right-wing avoidance of such challenges. Her alignment with the Labour left is evident in her early support for Jeremy Corbyn's leadership bid in 2015, where she declined to stand herself to back him fully, viewing his platform as broadening debate on socialist policies rather than mere posturing. This positioning places her within Corbynism, characterized by advocacy for expanded public services, opposition to , and criticism of policies as ideologically driven wastes of human potential, such as cuts to youth services. Smith's ideological stances have manifested in parliamentary rebellions, including defying Labour leadership under on a 2023 vote for an immediate , which she attributed to her Christian duty as a peacemaker, stating she felt "called upon" despite party pressure. She has also opposed in her constituency on environmental grounds, countering job-creation arguments as overstated. While largely adhering to party lines in votes—rebelling only twice against majorities in recent sessions—her rare divergences, such as abstaining on welfare reforms in 2015 citing misalignment with constituents' needs, underscore a conscience-driven approach over strict discipline. Criticisms of Smith's alignments often stem from her Corbynite associations, with opponents labeling her positions as emblematic of Labour's left-wing shift that contributed to the party's electoral defeat, though she has defended such views as rooted in empirical needs like restoring services decimated by Conservative cuts. In , she resigned as Shadow Minister for and Voter Engagement, citing the Labour leadership's refusal to restore Corbyn's as "unsustainable," a move praised by left-wing outlets but highlighting internal party fractures between centrists and socialists. Conservative critics have accused her of in political tactics, such as locally endorsing reforms in before opposing them nationally, framing it as opportunistic rather than principled . Her Christian-informed has drawn scrutiny for inconsistencies, such as strong pro-choice advocacy despite faith-based reservations on issues like , though she maintains these as compatible with broader aims. coverage, often from left-leaning sources like , tends to portray her views favorably, potentially understating risks of socialist policies like increased public spending amid fiscal constraints, as evidenced by Labour's post-Corbyn pivot toward moderated economics.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Cat Smith married Ben Soffa, her partner of eleven years, in a at the Ashton Memorial in Williamson Park, , on September 3, 2016, followed by a reception at Lancaster House Hotel. Soffa, who serves as head of digital organising for the , met Smith during her time at . The couple resided together in a taxpayer-funded flat in , located approximately six miles from Soffa's primary residence. Smith and Soffa have one child, a son named Eli, born on July 8, 2018. The birth occurred shortly after Smith's re-election as for and in the 2017 general election, during which she continued parliamentary duties while pregnant. The marriage ended in separation prior to November 2021. By September 2021, Smith had begun a relationship with , an for East. The inter-party partnership, notable for crossing the Labour-SNP divide, persisted as of February 2024. No additional children from this relationship have been publicly reported.

Religious faith and public service

Cat Smith identifies as a Christian whose entry into was motivated by her , stating that her "route to has been through my ." Raised in a household where her mother was Methodist and her father a trade unionist, Smith has participated in Methodist services, including attending the final service at Hollins Lane Methodist Church in September 2025 and contributing reflections at the Parliamentary Methodist Annual Covenant Service in January. She is a member of Christians in Parliament, an organization supporting MPs who draw on Christian principles in their work, and serves as vice-chair of the on in the , which promotes the role of in the region. Smith's faith has directly informed specific aspects of her public service, particularly in advocating for and . In November 2023, she defied Labour leader by voting for an immediate in , explaining that as a Christian she felt "called upon to be a " and could not "in all good conscience not vote for a ," viewing it as a necessary first step toward broader . She has linked Christian teachings to policies on and equality, arguing in discussions that the Christian narrative aligns with progressive visions for addressing and community support. Prior to her election as in 2015, Smith's public service included work with a national organization and trusteeship of a aiding domestic violence victims, roles consistent with faith-driven commitments to vulnerable populations. Her interpretation of Christianity extends to support for reproductive rights and LGBTQ+ inclusion, as evidenced by her co-founding of Christians for Choice, which challenges anti-abortion positions on biblical grounds, and her June 2024 speech at Lancaster Pride identifying as a "proud Christian" supportive of such events. These stances reflect a prioritization of and over traditional doctrinal in her parliamentary service.

Health advocacy and recreational pursuits

Smith has actively advocated for better awareness and support for chronic illnesses, including (PoTS) and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME). During a debate on PoTS on October 14, 2025, she emphasized the psychological toll of dismissal by healthcare providers, noting that prolonged disbelief exacerbates mental health challenges for patients. In October 2025, she became a Parliamentary for Action for ME, committing to advance research, clinical care improvements, and policy reforms for the condition, which affects an estimated 250,000 people in the UK with symptoms like profound fatigue and . Her health-related parliamentary inquiries have addressed specific risks, such as the teratogenic effects of during ; in written questions to the Secretary of State for , she sought assurances on compensation and support for affected individuals, reflecting concerns over the drug's links to congenital malformations in up to 10% of exposed fetuses. Locally, Smith has campaigned against closures of community services and pharmacies in and Wyre, arguing that such cuts undermine equitable access to for vulnerable populations. In terms of recreational pursuits, Smith maintains a running routine as a form of personal fitness, though she modifies routes and timings due to safety risks faced by female politicians, including and incidents reported by . She has expressed support for expanding youth-oriented leisure options in her constituency, such as skate parks and green spaces, to promote among young people amid declining local authority funding for such facilities.

References

  1. [1]
    Parliamentary career for Cat Smith - MPs and Lords - UK Parliament
    Cat Smith is the Labour MP for Lancaster and Wyre, and has been an MP continually since 7 May 2015. Contact information · Parliamentary career · Voting record ...Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  2. [2]
    About Cat - Cat Smith
    Before being elected as an MP she worked for a national social work organisation and was a trustee for a local charity supporting victims of domestic violence.Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  3. [3]
    Cat Smith MP - Who is she? - Politcs.co.uk
    Born in 1985 in Barrow-in-Furness, Smith moved to Lancaster in 2003 where she studied at Cartmel College, Lancaster University, graduating with a BA in ...
  4. [4]
    Why Lancaster and Fleetwood MP Cat Smith never wanted a career ...
    Mar 15, 2020 · Cat Smith was born in Barrow, her mother was a methodist and her father was a trade unionist. But the 34-year-old admits that her childhood ...Missing: early family background
  5. [5]
    Cat Smith | EPFL Graph Search
    Catherine Jane Smith (born 16 June 1985) is a British politician who has served as Member of Parliament (MP) for Lancaster and Fleetwood since 2015.
  6. [6]
    Cat Smith MP: 'Tory policies have led to a huge waste of potential'
    Sep 26, 2017 · “My grandad was illiterate and spent his entire life in low-paid work. My dad failed his 11-plus, but accessed higher education as an adult ...
  7. [7]
    What Lancaster Means to Us
    Cat Smith (Gender and Sociology, 2006, Cartmel) has just completed her first year as a Labour MP for Lancaster and Fleetwood.
  8. [8]
    Cat Smith (@catsmithmp) · Lancaster - Instagram
    Labour MP for Lancaster and Wyre. Promoted by James Groves on behalf of Cat Smith, both at 47 Scotforth Rd, LA1 4SA.Missing: current position
  9. [9]
    Election results for University Ward - Lancaster City Council
    May 3, 2007 · Gavin Barrass, Liberal Democrats, 106 ; Cat Smith, Labour Party, 98 ; Alex Law, Conservative Party, 97 ; David Jonathan Bonner, Conservative Party ...
  10. [10]
    Elections Bill - Hansard - UK Parliament
    Jan 17, 2022 · Member for Lancaster and Fleetwood (Cat Smith). The Government agreed in ... I have been a Labour party branch secretary, branch chair ...
  11. [11]
    Labour MP 'sexually harassed' as young activist - BBC News
    Oct 30, 2017 · Labour MP Cat Smith said she had to push away and run when a councillor attempted to kiss her after a party. She was speaking to the BBC's ...
  12. [12]
    Cat Smith - Member of Parliament at Lancaster & Wyre | LinkedIn
    Leading parliamentary work for the national association for social workers in Britain, across Westminster and devolved parliaments. Parliamentary Assistant.<|separator|>
  13. [13]
    Cat Smith Manifesto | PDF | Labour Party (Uk) | Trade Union - Scribd
    She argues that Young Labour lacks democracy and discussion. She promises to maintain an open blog, support the election of the Young Labour Executive Committee ...
  14. [14]
    Election results for Lancaster and Fleetwood, 7 May 2015
    May 7, 2015 · Catherine Jane Smith, Labour Party, 17643, 42%, Elected ; Eric Ollerenshaw, The Conservative Party Candidate, 16378, 39%, Not elected.Missing: general | Show results with:general
  15. [15]
    Lancaster and Fleetwood general election - May 2015
    Labour gain from Conservatives by Catherine Smith with a majority of 1,265 - 3.0% - on a turnout of 67.4%. An electorate of 61,922, having a valid vote ...
  16. [16]
    Cat Smith elected as Lancaster and Fleetwood MP - - SCAN
    May 14, 2015 · Cat Smith elected as Lancaster and Fleetwood MP ... Smith -a former Lancaster University student and LUSU Women's officer – won the seat with a ...<|separator|>
  17. [17]
    Lancashire's key election battle to go down to the Wyre - BBC News
    Apr 16, 2015 · There's no shortage of candidates given the vulnerability of the seat. UKIP's candidate is law student Matthew Atkins now living in Over Kellett ...Missing: victory | Show results with:victory
  18. [18]
    Cat Smith MP, Lancaster and Wyre - TheyWorkForYou
    Read Cat Smith's contributions to Parliament, including speeches and questions, investigate their voting record, and get email alerts on their activity.Missing: jobs | Show results with:jobs<|control11|><|separator|>
  19. [19]
    Cat Smith for Lancaster and Wyre in the UK Parliamentary general ...
    Cat has been the Labour MP for Lancaster and Fleetwood since 2015 and is lucky enough to live in this beautiful part of Lancashire with her young son.Missing: politician key facts
  20. [20]
    Local Priorities - Cat Smith
    I have continually campaigned for investment in our crumbling hospitals and A&E services. When a proposal was put on the table to merge the Royal Lancaster ...Missing: Fleetwood constituency surgeries 2015-2017<|separator|>
  21. [21]
    Labour appoints bisexual MP Cat Smith to equalities role - PinkNews
    Sep 18, 2015 · Bisexual Labour MP Cat Smith has been handed a role as shadow minister for equalities, after just four months in Parliament.Missing: positions | Show results with:positions
  22. [22]
    ELL0022 - Evidence on Electoral Law - UK Parliament Committees
    Submitted by Cat Smith MP, the Shadow Minister for Voter Engagement on behalf of the Labour Party. We welcome this inquiry by the Public Administration and ...
  23. [23]
    Contributions for Cat Smith - Hansard - UK Parliament
    Contributions for Cat Smith. The page shows Hansard-specific information ... shadow Minister for democracy and elections for the Labour party since 2016 ...
  24. [24]
    Lancaster MP Cat Smith resigns from shadow cabinet role
    Nov 29, 2021 · Ms Smith, who was shadow secretary of state for young people and democracy, said in a letter to Sir Keir that she was "grateful" for his offer ...Missing: ministerial | Show results with:ministerial
  25. [25]
    'Unsustainable' – Cat Smith quits Shadow Cabinet over Corbyn whip ...
    Nov 29, 2021 · Cat Smith has resigned as Shadow Secretary of State for Young People and Democracy, despite attempts by Keir Starmer to keep her in the ...<|separator|>
  26. [26]
    Labour's Cat Smith quits shadow cabinet over party leadership's ...
    Nov 29, 2021 · Labour's shadow youth minister Cat Smith resigned today amid a reshuffle, describing as unsustainable the party leadership's refusal to readmit Jeremy Corbyn.
  27. [27]
    Keir Starmer launches Labour reshuffle as frontbencher Cat Smith ...
    Nov 29, 2021 · Labour reshuffle: Keir Starmer launches shake up as frontbencher Cat Smith quits · Deputy leader Angela Rayner 'wasn't consulted' on reshuffle.
  28. [28]
    All The New Commons Select Committee Chairs - Politics Home
    Oct 18, 2023 · Cat Smith, Labour MP for Lancaster and Fleetwood, has won 227 votes from MPs to become the new chair of the Petitions Committee. Smith held ...
  29. [29]
    Cat Smith - Parallel Parliament
    During the current Parliament, Cat Smith has voted in 246 divisions, and 2 times against the majority of their Party. View Rebellions.Missing: politician facts
  30. [30]
    Cat Smith MP says Christian faith behind her ceasefire call - BBC
    Nov 28, 2023 · Labour MP Cat Smith has told how her Christian faith was behind her decision to defy Sir Keir Starmer and vote for a full ceasefire in Gaza.
  31. [31]
    MPS representing Lancaster and Wyre (Constituency)
    Lancaster and Wyre is a constituency in the North West region of England. The seat has been held by Cat Smith (Labour) since July 2024.
  32. [32]
    Lancaster and Wyre - General election results 2024 - BBC News
    Lancaster and Wyre results · Labour, Cat Smith. votes 19,315; share 44.9%; share change +3.0 · Conservative, Peter Cartridge. votes 10,062; share 23.4%; share ...
  33. [33]
    Election results - Lancaster City Council
    Jul 8, 2024 · Lancaster & Wyre ; Jack Lenox, Green Party, 5,236 ; Matt Severn, Liberal Democrats, 1,529 ; Cat Smith, Labour Party, 19,315 ELECTED ; Turnout, 57.8 ...
  34. [34]
    Starmer proud of 'most diverse' Parliament ever - BBC
    Jul 9, 2024 · ... in the role. After his re-election was approved by MPs, he was dragged to the Speaker's chair by Labour MP Cat Smith and Tory Sir David Davis.
  35. [35]
    Welfare cuts backed amid Labour revolt - BBC News
    Jul 21, 2015 · MPs back government plans for £12bn in welfare cuts, but acting Labour leader Harriet Harman suffers a significant rebellion in the vote.
  36. [36]
    Lancaster and Morecambe MPs vote against government plans for ...
    Jul 2, 2025 · The two Labour MPs voted against the Government's proposed changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) eligibility criteria.
  37. [37]
    Voting record - Cat Smith MP, Lancaster and Wyre - TheyWorkForYou
    Generally voted for mass surveillance of people's communications and activities Show votes 1 vote for, 3 absences, between 2016 and 2024. Comparable Labour MPs ...Missing: facts | Show results with:facts
  38. [38]
    Lancaster MP highlights city housing crisis in Parliament speech
    Mar 6, 2025 · Lancaster MP Cat Smith has appealed to the government for extra support to help with the district's housing shortage.Missing: Labour views poverty benefits
  39. [39]
    Green Industrial Revolution - Cat Smith
    May 15, 2019 · Social housing and low-income households will have electricity-generating solar panels installed providing free energy and saving an average of £117 a year on ...
  40. [40]
    Cat Smith talks Jeremy Corbyn, Jesus Christ and Why 'Socialism' Isn ...
    Aug 25, 2015 · I believe in an ethical foreign policy, and an ethical foreign policy doesn't mean bombing other countries, it means dialogue. Lasting peace ...
  41. [41]
    Statement on Syria: Decisions which will determine ... - Facebook
    Nov 29, 2015 · I want to see a world free of the barbarity of ISIS / Daesh – cruelty which has overwhelmingly been targeted at Syrian and Iraqi civilians, but ...
  42. [42]
    Nearly 60 Labour MPs call for UK to immediately recognise ...
    Jul 12, 2025 · A foreign office spokesperson said: “We are committed to recognising a Palestinian state and to doing so when [it] will have most impact in ...
  43. [43]
    Caabu Press Release: 96 UK Parliamentarians demand sanctions ...
    Jun 9, 2025 · 96 UK parliamentarians have demanded sanctions on Israel for war crimes against Palestinians and systematic violations of international law.<|separator|>
  44. [44]
    British aid is being held up for weeks in Gaza, being used as a ...
    May 14, 2025 · ... Israel, to look again at arms export licences, and to recognise ... Cat Smith MP 󱢏. May 14󰞋󱟠. 󰟝. ⛑️ British aid is being held up for ...
  45. [45]
    UK Government pressed on Palestine, Syria and Yemen by MPs at ...
    Cat Smith MP raised the issue of Palestinian civilians being tried in Israel's military court system, highlighting the recent report by War on Want: Judge ...
  46. [46]
    Cat Smith | Israel Palestine Voting Record - MP War Crimes
    View the voting record for Cat Smith regarding the ongoing Palestinian Genocide, to answer the question Is My MP A War Criminal?
  47. [47]
    Cat Smith is fundraising for Medical Aid for Palestinians - JustGiving
    As an MP, I've spoken up in Parliament, demanding action, justice, and humanitarian support for the Palestinian people. For a long term peace it's a political ...
  48. [48]
    The Prime Minister has shown strong leadership in the fast moving ...
    Mar 3, 2025 · ... abroad. | Cat Smith MP | Facebook. Log in · Video. 󱡘. Cat Smith MP ... Mar 5, 2025 · 5K views. See more. 󱣝. Reels. 󱝍. 󱛻. 2.1K. Related Pages.
  49. [49]
    Ukraine - Hansard - UK Parliament
    Mar 3, 2025 · Cat Smith. (Lancaster and Wyre) (Lab). Share this specific ... May I press the Prime Minister on the upcoming Hague summit for NATO leaders in ...
  50. [50]
    Ukraine: 3 Mar 2025: House of Commons debates - TheyWorkForYou
    Mar 3, 2025 · Quite rightly, the Prime Minister has brought together a coalition of European and NATO partners. Is he working on those further afield? As he ...
  51. [51]
    Welfare bill: Labour in disarray as 48 MPs defy whips to vote no
    Jul 21, 2015 · 48 Labour MPs, just under a quarter of the parliamentary party, defied their whips and voted against the welfare bill at second reading.
  52. [52]
    Labour made 'a mess' of welfare vote, Andy Burnham says - BBC
    Jul 21, 2015 · Another new MP, Cat Smith, told the BBC's Daily Politics she had rebelled "with a heavy heart" after raising her concerns over the bill with ...Missing: domestic | Show results with:domestic
  53. [53]
    Inside the Labour welfare rebellion – who is fighting back? - The Lead
    Jun 26, 2025 · The bill is expected to push around 250,000 people into poverty, with Labour MPs especially feeling the backlash from constituents – many of ...
  54. [54]
    The full list of Labour MPs who voted against Keir Starmer's welfare ...
    Jul 2, 2025 · Cat Smith (Lancaster and Wyre); Euan Stainbank (Falkirk) ... What concessions has the government given Labour rebels on the welfare bill?
  55. [55]
    Local MPs go against government as watered-down welfare cuts ...
    Jul 2, 2025 · Speaking in the debate on the bill in the House of Commons, Lancaster and Wyre MP Cat Smith said she couldn't back plans to change the PIP ...Missing: views | Show results with:views
  56. [56]
    Voting Record - Cat Smith MP, Lancaster and Wyre (25432)
    Interesting Votes. Votes in parliament for which this MP's vote differed from the majority vote of their party (Rebel), or in which this MP was a teller ...Missing: patterns | Show results with:patterns
  57. [57]
    Labour MP Cat Smith denies improper expenses claim - BBC News
    May 24, 2016 · Cat Smith, MP for Lancaster and Fleetwood, filed improper expenses. The shadow minister for Women and Equalities, Ms Smith said she would be exonerated.
  58. [58]
    Police looking into Labour shadow minister's election expenses
    May 24, 2016 · Police are considering ​claims a Labour frontbencher and key ally of Jeremy Corbyn failed to declare all her election expenses. Cat Smith ...
  59. [59]
    Police investigate claims that Labour's Cat Smith broke election ...
    May 24, 2016 · Shadow minister for women and equalities Cat Smith (pictured) is facing allegations over undeclared spending on office rent and staffing ...
  60. [60]
    Police investigate Labour MP's election expenses - The Times
    May 25, 2016 · She is also accused of failing to declare the cost of envelopes despite declaring postage for mailouts. Her agent said that they were provided ...
  61. [61]
    Police probe into town MP election expenses - Wigan Today
    May 25, 2016 · Police have confirmed they are looking into claims of anomalies in the election expenses of Fleetwood and Lancaster MP Cat Smith.
  62. [62]
    Labour MP Cat Smith cleared of improper expenses claim - BBC News
    Nov 15, 2016 · A Labour MP has been cleared of filing improper expenses claims. In May, a police investigation was launched into the election expenses submitted by Cat Smith.
  63. [63]
    Lancashire MP cleared after election spending investigation
    Nov 17, 2016 · A LANCASHIRE MP has spoken out after being cleared following a six-month police probe into her reporting of election spending.
  64. [64]
    Corbynite Labour MP Cat Smith under scrutiny over expenses claims
    Jan 18, 2017 · A Corbynite Labour MP could face scrutiny from the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority amid allegations of faulty expenses claims.
  65. [65]
    Lancaster and Morecambe MPs' expenses for the last financial year ...
    Jan 29, 2021 · Morecambe MP David Morris. Labour MP Cat Smith spent £171,580.89 on office running costs in 2019/20, including £150,558.47 on staff wages and £ ...Missing: investigation | Show results with:investigation
  66. [66]
    Cat Smith MP reports Facebook troll rape messages to police - BBC
    Sep 12, 2017 · An MP has reported abusive messages from online trolls saying they hope she gets raped to police. Cat Smith, Labour MP for Lancaster and ...Missing: personal | Show results with:personal
  67. [67]
    Labour MP calls police after receiving rape threats on Facebook
    Sep 12, 2017 · A Labour MP has called the police after receiving rape threats from two separate online accounts. Cat Smith, MP for Lancaster and Fleetwood, ...Missing: security | Show results with:security
  68. [68]
    Police probe online abuse aimed at MP - Blackpool Gazette
    Sep 10, 2017 · Police are investigating threating messages aimed at Lancaster and Fleetwood MP Cat Smith on social media.
  69. [69]
    Labour MP Cat Smith calls in police after horrific rape threats but ...
    Sep 11, 2017 · Cat Smith says she has reported the vile rape threats to the police · She says she is angry that the social media giant has failed to act.
  70. [70]
    MPs reveal scale of abuse they receive from the public - BBC News
    Jul 26, 2017 · Labour's Cat Smith said personal attacks by Tories "bordered on racist" and gave tacit permission for others to engage in abuse online. Ex-Tory ...Missing: security | Show results with:security
  71. [71]
    General Election Campaign: Abuse and Intimidation - Hansard
    Sep 14, 2017 · Personal security advice and guidance has been provided to all Members, and a package of security measures is available for homes and ...<|separator|>
  72. [72]
    Labour MP 'sexually harassed' as young activist - BBC
    Labour MP Cat Smith said she had to push away and run when a councillor attempted to kiss her after a party. She was speaking to the BBC's Victoria ...
  73. [73]
    Shadow minister says she was sexually harassed as a young activist
    Oct 30, 2017 · Labour MP Cat Smith described how she had to push away a councillor and run when he tried to kiss her after a party. ‌. Ms Smith said the ...
  74. [74]
    Cat Smith - Wikipedia
    Catherine Jane Smith (born 16 June 1985) is a British Labour Party politician who has served as a Member of Parliament (MP) since 2015, ...
  75. [75]
    Call a spade a spade and a Socialist a Socialist - LabourList
    Aug 22, 2013 · ... Christian Socialist Movement /. Cat Smith. Cat Smith is MP for Lancaster and Fleetwood. She was shadow minister for young people and democracy ...
  76. [76]
    Corbynite Labour MP Cat Smith criticised over boundary ...
    Nov 7, 2016 · A Corbynite front bencher responsible for voter engagement has been accused of “rank hypocrisy” by a fellow MP after appearing to praise the boundary changes.
  77. [77]
    Labour frontbencher Cat Smith accused of 'height of hypocrisy' after ...
    Dec 29, 2017 · A Labour frontbencher has been accused of the "height of hypocrisy" after she supported the Government's boundary reforms locally a month ...
  78. [78]
    Lancaster MP Cat Smith marries at Williamson Park
    Sep 5, 2016 · Lancaster MP Cat Smith married her partner of 11 years at the weekend at a ceremony at the Ashton Memorial.
  79. [79]
    Barrow-born MP weds her partner with Labour leader among the ...
    Oct 11, 2016 · Cat Smith and Ben Soffa were married in a civil wedding at the Ashton Memorial in Lancaster followed by a reception at the Lancaster House Hotel in Ellel on ...Missing: personal | Show results with:personal
  80. [80]
    Labour MP Cat Smith gets a taxpayer-funded flat just six miles from ...
    May 10, 2020 · ... Smith lives in the flat with her husband and their toddler son. Miss Smith claimed almost £4,000 in 2018/19, including two months' rent for ...Missing: children | Show results with:children
  81. [81]
    Lancaster MP 'thrilled' after birth of first baby
    Jul 11, 2018 · Lancaster MP Cat Smith, right, with her husband Ben Soffa, and their son Eli. Lancaster and Fleetwood MP Cat Smith has given birth to a baby boy ...
  82. [82]
    Lancaster and Fleetwood MP reveals challenges of juggling new ...
    Jun 19, 2020 · The 35-year-old Labour MP said she had faced numerous challenges since her son Eli was born almost two years ago - including navigating the London Underground.Missing: siblings | Show results with:siblings
  83. [83]
    SNP MP accused of drinking on flight to Gibraltar for military visit is ...
    Nov 14, 2021 · Smith, a close ally of Sir Keir Starmer, split from her husband Ben Soffa, who works for Labour, after marrying in the autumn of 2016.
  84. [84]
    SNP MP finds love on Labour benches | The Herald
    Sep 13, 2021 · An SNP MP has found love on the opposite side of the political divide. David Linden and Labour's Cat Smith are now in a relationship.
  85. [85]
    Westminster power couples — 2024 edition - Politico.eu
    Feb 14, 2024 · 27. Cat Smith and David Linden. This love match across the political divide continues to endure. Labour MP Cat Smith and SNP MP David Linden ...
  86. [86]
    Last weekend I attended the final service at Hollins Lane Methodist ...
    Sep 12, 2025 · Last weekend I attended the final service at Hollins Lane Methodist Church. For over 200 years it has been a much-loved part of the ...
  87. [87]
    Parliamentary Methodist Annual Covenant Service - Sunday, 31st ...
    Reflections:Cat Smith MP & Sir Gary Streeter MP. Readings: Emma Hardy MP; Derek Thomas MP Phoebe Parkin – Methodist Youth President. Meg Read- JPIT/House of ...
  88. [88]
    Our People - Christians in Parliament
    Her key issues include environmental advocacy, housing, improving adoption services, and preventing violence against women and girls. As a committed Christian, ...
  89. [89]
    Cat Smith MP, Lancaster and Wyre - TheyWorkForYou
    Read Cat Smith's contributions to Parliament, including speeches and questions, investigate their voting record, and get email alerts on their activity.Missing: branch | Show results with:branch
  90. [90]
    Election special | Cat Smith | Labour: a Christian perspective
    How do you balance your loyalties to your party, leader, constituents, values – and Jesus?Cat has served as Labour MP for Lancaster and Fleetwood since 2015, ...Missing: key facts<|separator|>
  91. [91]
    ‍ It was such a privilege to speak at Lancaster Pride today. ✝️ As a ...
    Jun 23, 2024 · Cat Smith MP have you and your church re- written the bible to suit your political beliefs? It is stated very very clearly what is what.
  92. [92]
    Westminster debate on PoTS - ME Research UK
    Cat Smith agreed, saying “when you [are disbelieved] by medical professionals for so long it can affect your mental health.” One MP, stated that their ...
  93. [93]
    Cat Smith MP joins our Parliamentary Champions network
    Oct 7, 2025 · We're delighted to welcome Cat Smith MP as our newest Parliamentary Champion, supporting Action for ME's work to improve care, research, ...
  94. [94]
    Written questions submitted by Cat Smith - MPs and Lords
    Cat Smith is the Labour MP for Lancaster and Wyre, and has been an MP continually since 7 May 2015.Missing: domestic stances
  95. [95]
    Healthcare for Everyone - Cat Smith
    I'm proud to fight to keep local healthcare and community health services open and available for everyone.
  96. [96]
    Running for office - Runner's World
    Jun 24, 2024 · Personal safety concerns shape the way Lancaster and Fleetwood MP Cat Smith runs. While Cairns pounds Westminster streets late at night, and ...