Jacqui Smith tells of expenses regret at ladies business lunch in Birmingham

Sep 5 2009 by Rebekah Oruye, Birmingham Mail

FORMER Home Secretary Jacqui Smith candidly discussed the “difficult day” when her MP expenses claims were made public while at a women’s networking lunch held at a Birmingham hotel.

The Redditch Labour MP joined Sky News presenter Marverine Cole and former Central News presenter Llewela Bailey at the Radisson SAS Hotel for a meal and discussion with career-minded women.

More than 100 diners ranging from students to chief executives attended the Loose Women Networking Lunch chaired by former Apprentice contestant Jo Cameron. They debated issues from juggling work and home life to surviving in male-dominated industries.

Ms Smith spoke about why she got involved in politics, what working in the Labour Government cabinet was like and what advice she could offer to other women aspiring to be a success.

She said in her experience women lacked confidence when starting out in a new job and pointed out that personal development “is not a weakness, it’s a strength.”

Earlier this year, her expenses claims were made public and revealed husband Richard Timney had watched two porn films, then included them on a bill footed by taxpayers.

After the lunch, Ms Smith told the Birmingham Mail: “People have been very supportive. I have explained to people what I did and what I thought I did wrong.

“The films should have been a million miles away from being on a claim.”