The Rt Hon Baroness Smith of Malvern
MA
Honorary Fellow
Jacqui Smith read Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Hertford and was the UK’s first female Home Secretary (2007–09).
She was an MP for thirteen years and, when she became Home Secretary, was only the third woman to hold one of the Great Offices of State in government. On leaving Parliament she worked as a broadcaster, and since 2013 has been Chair of University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust. She is also the Chair of the Jo Cox Foundation and the Sandwell Children’s Trust.
Jacqui returned to government as the Minister for Skills (with responsibility for post-16 education including HE) in July 2024.