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

Sep 5 2009 by Rebekah Oruye, Birmingham Mail

“He (Richard) has apologised publicly. We are both sorry that it happened.”

Ms Smith has since repaid the costs and said their relationship as husband and wife was “stronger than ever”.

Ms Smith hailed the networking session as “a brilliant idea”. She added: “It was a good opportunity for women to get together. There was a good buzz.”

Guests at the £40-a-head lunch included Tesco team leader Donna McCollin from Oldbury, who said it was her first time at a women’s only business gathering. The 38-year-old said: “I was intrigued to see what it’s all about. I like being surrounded by strong independent women, it’s inspiring.”

Marcia Lewinson, chief executive for Birmingham-based charity Women Acting In Today’s Society (WAITS), said she hoped to raise the charity’s profile.

Her organisation was nominated as one of the Lord Mayor’s chosen charities and provides services such as counselling to women who suffer domestic violence.

She said: “I wanted to hear from Ms Smith, as a woman in a position power, how she manages the work-life balance.”

Life coach Helen Ward, from Coventry, said women’s networking events differed to mixed meetings as they were “co-operative as opposed to being competitive”. She said: “It’s really important for women to get together and hear from inspirational people.”