Chris Smith
"The Project is one of the most valuable and eye-opening experiences I have ever had. It gives me a wonderful perspective on international relations, and an unprecedented opportunity to mix with a highly stimulating and knowledgeable group." [1]
Chris Smith was born in 1951 in Watford, England to mathematics teacher Gladys and whitehall civil servant Colin, and lived there until; ten years of age when the family relocated to Edinburgh as his father was transferred to the Scottish Office. [2]
Smith began his political career as a Councillor in Islington between 1978 to 1983, where he also chaired the housing commitee and was chief Labour whip. In 1997, when Labour wan their election, he was made Secretary for Heritage, which later was renamed minister for Culture, Media and Sport. [3]
Chris Smith won respect from the Left wing Labour backbenchers by opposing military intervention and the War in Iraq. What had fostered this respect from the back benchers was that the rejection of the plan to go to war was not done as an act of a 'rebelious' party member, but done out of genuine opposition to the proposed invasion. In 2003, he lost his job as minister for Culture, Media and Sport after a series of blunders surrounding the national lottery and sporting events. [4]
