REDDITCH’s former MP Jacqui Smith, gave an entertaining insight into the highs and lows of her 13 years in Parliament recently.

During a lunch in aid of charity Kemp Hospice the first female Home Secretary took guests on a journey through her political career.

It started in her childhood when she launched a petition against a local council official who visited her school and told pupils they should not ride their bikes outside on the pavement.

She recalled the day she accepted what was to be 10 years of ministerial responsibility.

“When I was first made a minister in 1999 I didn’t sleep for a week, wondering if I would be able to do it,” she said.

“I could do it. I was one of the longest serving ministers...every job, however big it seems, is always done by a human being.”

She told how a few days into the job of Home Secretary she had to deal with terrorism attacks, with a bomb in Glasgow and car bombs in London.

“Some people told me I handled it calmly,” said Ms Smith.

“Trust me – that was a lot more about public face rather than how I was feeling inside.”

She revealed the toughest part of the job was spending time away from her children, who gave her the most perspective on her role.

Ms Smith encouraged women to get involved in politics, saying only 22 per cent of seats in the House of Commons were held by women.

She said: “I don’t think there are three good men for every one good woman out there.”

Guests were amused as she recounted tales of stepping on John Major’s foot in the House of Commons and that during one cabinet meeting the Chancellor’s cat made a deposit under the table.

The former politician opened the floor to questions and when asked how she coped with media criticism she said: “I don’t think everything journalists said about me was wrong, some of it I deserved, both in terms of my personal and professional life.

“There have been times when I just haven’t read any of it.”

She added: “The only thing you can trust is your own view of whatever you are doing.

“If it is right for you and the people around you, then you have to get on with it and other people can get on and judge.”