Smith is the chief executive of Gateshead-based homelessness charity Oasis Community Housing.[3] He defeated former cabinet minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan.[4] He is a professing Christian and previously worked at the Bible Society.[5]
On 11 December 2024, he was announced as the UK's Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB), replacing Fiona Bruce, who held the position under the previous government.[6] The envoy is tasked with promoting FoRB globally and raising awareness of cases of persecution and discrimination against people on the grounds of religion or belief.[7]