Mieka Smiles – The Inspiring Journey of a Journalist, Councillor, and Dedicated Mother from Middlesbrough
Who is Mieka Smiles?
Mieka Smiles is a distinguished British journalist, columnist, and local politician whose career has flourished across national media and public service. Known for her sharp storytelling, integrity, and community focus, she has become one of Middlesbrough’s most recognisable voices. Currently serving as Assistant News Editor at the Daily Express, Mieka combines her professional journalism with her role as a Conservative councillor for Nunthorpe, representing her hometown with dedication and passion.
Mieka Smiles – Early Life and Background
Born in 1981, Mieka Smiles is 43 years old as of 2025. She grew up in the Teesside area, mainly in Marton, before settling in Nunthorpe, Middlesbrough, where she now lives with her family. From a young age, Mieka showed a deep curiosity about the world around her. That curiosity later evolved into a career built on words, ideas, and community service.
Her background reflects a strong connection to her region. Having lived and worked in Middlesbrough for much of her life, she has remained committed to improving her local community while sharing its stories on a national platform.
Mieka Smiles Education and Early Career
Mieka Smiles has an impressive academic background that prepared her for success in both journalism and politics. She holds a Bachelor’s degree (BA Hons) in Media and Popular Culture from Leeds Beckett University, followed by a Master’s degree in Journalism from the University of Sunderland.
In addition to her academic qualifications, Mieka is also NCTJ (National Council for the Training of Journalists) qualified and has completed her Senior NCE qualification from Darlington College, marking her as a highly skilled and accredited journalist. Her education set the foundation for a career defined by professionalism, curiosity, and ethical reporting.
Mieka Smiles – Journalism Career
The Early Years in Local Journalism
Mieka began her journalism career in the early 2000s with Johnston Press, where she worked as a Senior Reporter for the Hartlepool Mail. Her work covered crime, community news, and human-interest stories, allowing her to develop a deep understanding of regional issues.
She later joined NCJ Media as a Senior Features Writer and Multimedia Journalist, where she produced a wide range of stories for The Journal, The Chronicle, and Sunday Sun. Her writing style balanced empathy with factual precision, a quality that became her professional signature.
Rise to Prominence at Trinity Mirror and Teesside Live
Between 2014 and 2015, Mieka worked for Trinity Mirror’s Teesside Gazette (later known as Teesside Live). There, she achieved more than 17 million page views in a single year, an extraordinary feat that demonstrated her ability to engage readers on both serious and lifestyle topics. Her work ranged from cultural commentary to community campaigns, all infused with a voice that felt authentic and local.
Joining the Daily Express
In recent years, Mieka Smiles has become a familiar name to readers of the Daily Express. Starting as a Senior News Reporter in 2023, she was later promoted to Assistant News Editor in 2024. Her columns and opinion pieces are widely read, often attracting thousands of comments and shares.
Her journalistic strengths lie in her ability to blend national stories with human narratives, ensuring that every piece resonates with emotion and meaning. Her exclusive stories have been syndicated globally and featured across major outlets including The Guardian, MailOnline, The Sun, The Mirror, and Fabulous magazine.
Mieka Smiles Middlesbrough Councillor and Political Career
From Journalist to Councillor
In May 2019, Mieka Smiles transitioned from reporting the news to helping shape it by becoming a Conservative councillor for Nunthorpe. Her experience as a journalist gave her a strong sense of accountability and transparency—qualities she has carried into her political life.
Leadership Roles
She has held several important leadership positions within the Middlesbrough Council, including:
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Deputy Mayor of Middlesbrough (2021–2023)
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Executive Member for Culture and Communities (2019–2021)
During her tenure, she worked on initiatives to support culture, local development, and children’s services. Her articles for Conservative Home have reflected her insight into the challenges facing local authorities, particularly around funding and social care.
Mieka Smiles Husband and Married Life
Mieka Smiles Married Life
Mieka Smiles has been married to her husband Christopher (Chris) since 2007. The couple married when Mieka was 25 years old and have been together for nearly two decades. Chris often appears affectionately in her social media posts, where Mieka describes him as her best friend and biggest supporter.
Their marriage reflects warmth, humour, and stability—qualities she openly shares in interviews and family posts. Her candid comments about balancing a busy career with family life resonate with many working parents across the UK.
Mieka Smiles Children and Family Life
A Devoted Mother
Mieka Smiles is a proud mother of two children, George and Harriet, and the family also has a dog named Arthur. Her children were featured in her 2015 MailOnline article, where she described a week-long experiment of giving up television with her husband and kids. The piece revealed her relatable, hands-on approach to parenting—full of humour, chaos, and love.
Mieka Smiles Daughter – Harriet
Harriet, her daughter, is often mentioned in her posts. Whether it’s watching films together, doing crafts, or enjoying family outings in Nunthorpe, Mieka highlights their close relationship. Harriet’s creative and lively spirit shines through her mother’s writing and social media moments.
Mieka Smiles Son – George
Her son George was born around 2011 and has appeared in several of her early family features. Mieka often writes about parenthood and the lessons learned from raising children in a digital age. Her reflections offer a realistic look at modern family life and the joys and challenges of motherhood.
Mieka Smiles Age and Birthday
Mieka Smiles was born in 1981 and celebrated her 41st birthday in November 2023. She publicly shared birthday posts on social media on 8 November, a date that has since been associated with her celebrations. Her approachable personality and sense of humour often come through in such posts, making her relatable to readers and followers alike.
Mieka Smiles Education and Professional Qualifications
Mieka’s academic journey reflects her commitment to learning and excellence:
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BA (Hons) in Media and Popular Culture – Leeds Beckett University
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MA in Journalism – University of Sunderland
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NCTJ Preliminary and Senior Examinations – University of Sunderland & Darlington College
Her qualifications are a testament to her hard work and credibility in journalism, supporting a career built on precision, balance, and professionalism.
Mieka Smiles in the Community
Mieka Smiles is deeply rooted in the Middlesbrough community, often described as approachable and active in local events. Through her dual roles as a journalist and councillor, she uses her voice to shed light on local issues—ranging from children’s welfare to cultural development.
She has also advocated for responsible screen use among families, as explored in her MailOnline piece, and continues to inspire readers with her reflections on work-life balance, creativity, and community values.
Mieka Smiles Daily Express and Beyond
Her position at the Daily Express has strengthened her influence in British journalism. Known for her accessible writing style, she discusses a range of topics including family life, national politics, and social trends. With over two million monthly readers and a strong social media following, Mieka Smiles has built a career grounded in trust, relatability, and insight.
Conclusion – The Many Faces of Mieka Smiles
Mieka Smiles represents the modern British woman who successfully balances professional ambition, family life, and community service. From her days as a local reporter to her current status as an influential journalist and councillor, she embodies resilience, intelligence, and empathy.
Her story is one of dedication—to her readers, her community, and her family. Whether she is writing for the Daily Express, attending council meetings in Middlesbrough, or spending time with her husband Chris and children George and Harriet, Mieka Smiles continues to inspire others through her authenticity and hard work.
