UK

Former Labour leader John Smith’s daughter made Advocate General for Scotland

The King has approved the appointment of Catherine Smith KC, it was announced.

Catherine Smith, left, is pictured here with former Labour prime minister Gordon Brown
Catherine Smith, left, is pictured here with former Labour prime minister Gordon Brown (Andrew Milligan/PA)
By Katrine Bussey, PA Scotland Political Editor

The youngest daughter of the late Labour leader John Smith  has said it is a “great honour” to become a legal adviser to the UK Government.

It was announced that the King had approved the appointment of Catherine Smith KC as Advocate General for Scotland.

The King also intends to give her a life peerage, which will see her join the House of Lords.

The Advocate General for Scotland provides legal advice to the UK Government on matters relating to Scots law.

Ms Smith said: “It is a great honour to be appointed the Advocate General for Scotland and join the team of UK Government law officers.

“I look forward to playing my part in protecting and promoting the rule of law and contributing to this government’s commitment to public service.”

Catherine Smith (centre\ with her mother Elizabeth (right) and sisters Jane (left) and Sarah (second right) at a memorial service for the former Labour leader John Smith, who died in 1994.
Catherine Smith (centre\ with her mother Elizabeth (right) and sisters Jane (left) and Sarah (second right) at a memorial service for the former Labour leader John Smith, who died in 1994. (Neil Munns/PA)

Ms Smith takes up the post after a legal career which has seen her specialise in personal injury, clinical negligence and judicial review cases – as well as sitting part-time as a sheriff.

The lawyer, who is the youngest of John Smith’s three daughters, is also currently involved in the Scottish Covid-19 Inquiry.

She is chair of the John Smith Centre for Public Service at the University of Glasgow, which was set up to promote a positive vision of politics, and is vice chair of Justice Scotland, which is part of a London-based organisation working for a “better and fairer justice system”.