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Forever Friends

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Marie Claire Features: Jacqui Smith

In the December issue of marie claire, six women - from politicians to celebrities and journalists - reveal their tips for lasting friendship. In an extract from the feature, Forever Friends, cabinet ministers Caroline Flint and Jacqui Smith share the secrets behind the strength of their relationship.

Caroline Flint, 47, left, and Jacqui Smith, right, both cabinet ministers

CAROLINE ‘As working mums, particularly in politics, you do sometimes think, "Have I got the balance right?" And having a friend you can talk to who’s in the same position is very important. Jacqui and I used to organise the disco at Labour Students, a group for politically active undergraduates. Putting the social into socialism, we used to say. In our twenties, we shared a flat in London. Jacqui’s always been there for me, particularly when my first marriage ended and I was on my own with two children. Her sons are like brothers to my kids. Our karaoke sessions get quite competitive. I do Cyndi Lauper and Madonna – we have such a giggle. In this job, you deal with very serious situations every day, so you have to see the lighter side. We still go out, but now she has to bring a security guard. When we’re at her caravan in Wales, he’s hovering up the beach.

JACQUI ‘There aren’t many people who know what our jobs are really like and the personal pressures you face. So to have somebody you can talk to about is very precious, especially as politics is so male-dominated. Caroline and I met 24 years ago through Labour Students. We used to go out dancing when we were younger, but less so these days. Now we do SingStar, although Caroline is more of a performer and has a broader repertoire than I do. People would be surprised to know how funny she is. We laugh so much when we’re together.'

To read the full feature on friendships which includes everyone from Jamelia and Miquita Oliver to journalists India Knight and Miranda Sawyer, pick up the December issue of marie claire, on sale now.

Photographed by Roger Keller in London EC1