Kathryn Smith

Kathryn Smith is an English Labour politician and a member of Bexley Council.
Smith became a director of the Co-operative Bank in 2001. She served as leader of Bexley Council and deputy mayor. She contested the 2004 London Assembly elections standing for the Merton and Wandsworth seat though was defeated by the Conservatives.
2000 London Mayoral election controversy
In 1999 Smith was involved in controversy when the South London cooperative party backed Frank Dobson as Labour's candidate for London Mayor rather than allowing members to vote on the matter themselves. Smith was believed to have played a key role in the decision and defended the outcome stating the party was "immature" and "not quite ready to vote" and the members were not reflective of wider society membership.
2010 General election
In January 2010 Smith was selected as the Labour candidate for the Gravesham constituency for the 2010 General Election. The seat was considered to be a key marginal with the incumbant MP holding a small majority. Smith was defeated by Conservative candidate Adam Holloway, losing by more than 9000 votes on a swing of 9.1% from Labour to Conservative.
Drink driving
On 26 April 2010 Smith crashed her car into a roundabout Dartford and she was arrested on suspicion of drink driving. Smith's blood alcohol level was found to be double the legal limit, and the timing of the incident was particularly notable, occurring days before the General Election. Smith was suspended by the Labour Party as a result of the incident for bringing the organisation into disrepute. The incident occurred on Bob Dunn Way, a road named after a Conservative MP. In January 2011 Smith admitted a drink driving charge. She was fined £135 and £615 costs and was banned from driving for 20 months.
Personal life
Smith lives with her partner and daughter in Welling.

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