Rebecca Smith

Born in Plymouth’s Freedom Fields Hospital, I grew up locally and attended Plymouth High School for Girls. My parents ran a small design and build kitchen company and modelled the values of hard work, commitment and dedication to our local community. Growing up through the recessions of the 1980s and 90s also meant we didn’t have a lot of spare money, so I know what it’s like when ends are hard to meet. After graduating from the University of Southampton with a degree in Modern History and Politics, I worked in Brussels and then came home and worked in Plymouth City Council’s Homelessness Team before moving to London. For the following eleven years, I worked in public service in London in a range of roles in the political and not-for-profit sectors including on criminal justice policy as part of the Shadow Justice team in the run up to the 2010 General Election. However, throughout this time, I worked with one aim in mind – to return home and fight Plymouth and Devon’s corner, getting the best deal for our communities. And that’s what I’ve been doing since returning home in 2015. I have been a Councillor representing Plymstock Radford since 2018, have served as Chair of the Planning Committee, Cabinet Member for Homes and Communities and had the privilege of leading The Commission on Violence against Women and Girls. I also worked part time for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission leading their public engagement across the South West, and for Sir Gary Streeter MP on a range of projects, gaining extensive knowledge of the South West Devon constituency. In December 2019, I stood as Parliamentary Candidate for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, having campaigned since November 2018. In July 2024, I was immensely proud and humbled to be elected as the Member of Parliament for South West Devon after a hard fought 14-month campaign. As an Opposition Junior Whip, I work on the Shadow Department for Work and Pensions team. I am also a member of the Conservative Friends of the Armed Forces, Conservative Environment Network, Conservative Rural Forum and the Conservative Christian Fellowship. I'm passionate about working cross-party, sitting on the Renters' Rights Bill Committee and Transport Committee, and fight for the interests of South West Devon in each of these groups. You will often find me out walking in the Devon countryside or cooking for friends and family. I am an avid Formula One fan and attend a local church. I also enjoy reading and spending time in my garden.