Julie Smith, Baroness Smith of Newnham

Julie Smith speaking at a Liberal Democrat Conference in Glasgow, 2014

Julie Elizabeth Smith, Baroness Smith of Newnham (born 1 June 1969) is an academic specialising in European politics and a Liberal Democrat politician. From 2003 to 2015, she was a local councillor on Cambridge City Council. Since September 2014, she has been a life peer and a member of the House of Lords.

Early life

Smith was born on 1 June 1969.[1] From 1980 to 1987, she was educated at Merchant Taylors' Girls' School, an all-girls selective independent school based in Great Crosby, Merseyside.[2] After taking a gap year, she studied Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Brasenose College, Oxford and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree. She then undertook postgraduate study in politics at St Antony's College, Oxford, graduating with a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree and a Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) degree.[1][3] Having been awarded a Hanseatic Scholarship, she undertook further study in Hamburg from 1995 to 1997.[4]

Career

Academic career

Smith began her academic career lecturing in the International Relations and European Studies Department of the Central European University, an English-language university in Budapest, Hungary.[3] In 1997, she joined the University of Cambridge as a lecturer in European politics.[2] She was later promoted to senior lecturer in International Relations and became a Fellow of Robinson College.[3] From 1999 to 2003, she was additionally the head of the European Programme at Chatham House.[4]

Political career

Smith is a Liberal Democrat politician. From 2003 to May 2015, she was a local councillor representing Newnham on Cambridge City Council.[5][6][7] She is also a vice-chair of the Liberal Democrats Federal Policy Committee.[8]

In August 2014, it was announced that Smith would be made a life peer.[9] On 12 September, the Queen conferred upon her the title of Baroness Smith of Newnham.[10] She made her maiden speech in the House of Lords on the same day.[11]

Involvement In EU Referendum

As demonstrated by the topic of Smith's maiden speech, she is firmly convinced of the benefits that the EU brings to the UK.

She has now taken an active involvement in Cambridge for Europe, a campaign which wants to spread a positive message regarding the UK's continued involvement in the EU.[12] Smith is one of the group's leading patrons.[13]

Selected works

References

  1. 1 2 Liberal Democrats Parliamentary Candidates Association (2011). Who's Who in the Liberal Democrats. The Quays, Bewdley DD12 2DX: PCA Books. ISBN 978-1-907046-27-8.
  2. 1 2 "Old Girl Julie Smith becomes Baroness Smith of Newnham". Merchant Taylors' Schools. Retrieved 6 September 2015.
  3. 1 2 3 "Dr Julie Smith". The Department of Politics and International Studies. University of Cambridge. Retrieved 8 August 2014.
  4. 1 2 "Dr Julie Smith". libdems.org.uk. Liberal Democrats. Retrieved 6 September 2015.
  5. ↑ "The Lib Dem team". Newnham Liberal Democrats. Retrieved 8 August 2014.
  6. ↑ Colin Rosenstiel. "Cambridge City Council Elections - Newnham Ward". Retrieved 13 September 2014.
  7. ↑ "Baroness Smith of Newnham". Parliament.uk. Retrieved 6 September 2015.
  8. ↑ "Federal Policy Committee". Liberal Democrats. Retrieved 13 September 2014.
  9. ↑ "Karren Brady and Sir Stuart Rose among new life peers". BBC News. 8 August 2014. Retrieved 8 August 2014.
  10. ↑ "Crown Office Notice 2197486". London Gazette. 17 September 2014. Retrieved 18 September 2014.
  11. ↑ Innes, Lesley (25 November 2014). "Baroness Smith of Newnham makes her Maiden Speech in the House of Lords". Cambridge Liberal Democrats. Retrieved 6 September 2015.
  12. ↑ "Cambridge For Europe". Cambridge For Europe. Retrieved 17 January 2016.
  13. ↑ "Cambridge For Europe". Cambridge For Europe. Retrieved 17 January 2016.
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