Andrew Smith: The Public Affairs Strategist and Former Lord Mayor of Westminster

Andrew Smith is a British public affairs and communications adviser who has built a distinguished career across politics, government relations and strategic consultancy. Widely recognised for his work in Westminster and his leadership role as Lord Mayor of Westminster between 2021 and 2022, he has become a respected figure in British public affairs and policy circles.

Over the course of more than two decades, Andrew Smith has developed extensive experience in government relations, corporate communications, political strategy and stakeholder engagement. His career spans advisory roles in Parliament, consultancy positions in major communications firms and senior leadership roles in public affairs organisations. Today he continues to influence policy discussions and strategic communication in the United Kingdom.

Early Life and Education of Andrew Smith

Academic Background

Andrew Smith pursued his higher education at some of the United Kingdom’s most respected universities. His academic journey began at the University of St Andrews, where he studied History, Philosophy and Theology. He completed a Master of Arts degree between 1995 and 1999. During his time at St Andrews, he developed strong analytical and research skills. The interdisciplinary nature of his studies provided a solid intellectual foundation for his future career in politics and policy analysis.

Postgraduate Studies

After completing his undergraduate education, Andrew Smith continued his academic training at Aberystwyth University. Between 1999 and 2000, he earned an MSc in Politics and Economics. This postgraduate programme strengthened his understanding of economic policy, government structures and political decision-making. The combination of political theory and economic analysis prepared him for a career at the intersection of policy and governance.

Early Political Career

Conservative Research Department

Andrew Smith began his professional career in politics in 2001, joining the Conservative Research Department as a Policy Adviser. This department plays an important role in shaping policy ideas and providing research support to members of the Conservative Party. In this role, he contributed to policy analysis, regulatory research and strategic political communications. The experience allowed him to gain insight into how national policy agendas are developed and debated.

Parliamentary Experience

In 2003, Andrew Smith moved to the House of Commons, where he served as Chief of Staff to Alan Duncan MP. He held this position until 2007. Working within Parliament gave him a detailed understanding of legislative processes and political negotiations. His responsibilities included coordinating political strategy, supporting parliamentary work and advising on policy matters. This role significantly expanded his experience within Westminster and introduced him to the complexities of national policymaking.

Development in Public Affairs and Communications

After gaining experience in Parliament, Andrew Smith transitioned into the public affairs sector. His work focused on helping organisations understand government policy, manage communications and build relationships with policymakers.

Policy Adviser at EEF

Between 2007 and 2008, he worked as a Policy Adviser at EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation representing the interests of the UK manufacturing sector. In this role he supported industry engagement with government and contributed to policy discussions affecting manufacturing and industrial strategy.

Connect Public Affairs

In 2009, Andrew Smith joined Connect Public Affairs as a Senior Policy Adviser. He remained in this position until 2014. During these five years, he worked closely with businesses, industry groups and policymakers to develop public affairs strategies. His responsibilities included stakeholder management, legislative analysis and strategic communication.

Leadership Roles in Strategic Communications

Andrew Smith’s reputation in the public affairs sector continued to grow as he took on senior roles within major communications consultancies.

Weber Shandwick

In 2014, he joined Weber Shandwick, a global communications firm, as an Associate Director. He held this role until 2017. Later, he returned to the firm as Senior Vice-President and Head of Public Affairs between 2021 and 2023. In this leadership role he oversaw policy advisory services, corporate communication strategies and government relations initiatives.

Westbourne Communications

Between 2017 and 2018, Andrew Smith worked at Westbourne Communications, where he served first as Head of Politics and Development and later as Director of Politics and Development. His work involved advising organisations on political strategy, regulatory policy and public communication.

Cicero Group

In 2019, he joined the Cicero Group as a Director. The firm specialises in strategic communications and public affairs advisory services. During his time at Cicero, he supported clients in managing political risk, building relationships with policymakers and navigating regulatory environments.

Role in Westminster City Council

Councillor for Westminster

Alongside his work in public affairs, Andrew Smith was actively involved in local government. He served as a Councillor at Westminster City Council from 2008 to 2022. During these fourteen years he worked on community initiatives, policy development and local governance matters affecting residents of Westminster. His work as a councillor reflected his commitment to public service and civic leadership.

Lord Mayor of Westminster

One of the most significant moments in Andrew Smith’s public career came when he was elected Lord Mayor of Westminster in 2021. He served as Lord Mayor from September 2021 to May 2022, holding one of the most prestigious ceremonial positions within the City of Westminster.

The Lord Mayor acts as the first citizen of Westminster and represents the city at official events, community initiatives and civic ceremonies. The role also includes serving as Deputy High Steward of Westminster Abbey. During his tenure he supported charitable initiatives, promoted community engagement and represented the city in national and international events.

Senior Leadership in Public Affairs

After completing his mayoral term, Andrew Smith returned to the private sector where he continues to work in public affairs and strategic communications.

Kreab Worldwide

Since June 2023, he has served as Senior Director at Kreab Worldwide, a global strategic communications consultancy. At Kreab, Andrew Smith advises organisations on government relations, legislative strategy and corporate communication. His expertise helps businesses navigate complex political environments and regulatory frameworks.

Kraken Strategy

In November 2024, he also joined Kraken Strategy as a Director. The consultancy specialises in public affairs, strategic communications and policy advisory services. His role involves supporting organisations with political analysis, stakeholder engagement and communication strategy.

Professional Expertise and Skills

Throughout his career, Andrew Smith has developed strong expertise in several areas of public affairs and communication.

These include:

• Government relations

• Legislative analysis

• Public affairs strategy

• Corporate communications

• Speech writing

• Political strategy

• Crisis management

• Stakeholder engagement

• Business development

These skills have made him a trusted adviser for organisations seeking to understand the evolving political landscape.

Andrew Smith Wife Salma Shah

Andrew Smith is married to Salma Shah, a British political commentator, adviser, and broadcaster. The couple married in July 2015 and maintain a largely private family life. Salma Shah has worked in UK government as a special adviser and later founded Kraken Strategy, while also serving on several corporate and charitable boards.

Social Media and Public Engagement

Andrew Smith also maintains a presence on social media platforms where he shares insights into politics, public affairs and current events. His account on X uses the handle policysmith, where he describes himself as a Public Affairs and Communications consultant and former Lord Mayor of Westminster. Through this platform he contributes to discussions on policy, governance and political developments in the United Kingdom.

Conclusion

Andrew Smith’s career demonstrates the value of combining political experience with strategic communication expertise. From his early work in Parliament to leadership roles in public affairs consultancy and his service as Lord Mayor of Westminster, he has built a professional reputation grounded in public service and policy insight.

His ability to move between government, politics and the private sector reflects a deep understanding of how policy, communication and leadership intersect. Today, Andrew Smith continues to contribute to the fields of public affairs and corporate strategy while remaining an influential figure in British civic and political life.

With extensive experience across multiple sectors and a long record of public service, Andrew Smith remains an important voice in the evolving landscape of British public policy and communications.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is Andrew Smith?

Andrew Smith is a British public affairs and communications adviser. He previously served as the Lord Mayor of Westminster from 2021 to 2022 and has held senior roles in public affairs, government relations and strategic communications firms.

2. Is Andrew Smith married?

Yes, Andrew Smith is married to Salma Shah, a British political commentator, broadcaster and strategic adviser. The couple married in July 2015 and both work in public affairs and communications.

3. Does Andrew Smith have children?

Andrew Smith and his wife Salma Shah have children, but they keep their family life private. Details about their children, including names and ages, are not publicly disclosed.

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