[citation needed] Smith was elected to the Southern Rhodesian Legislative Assembly in the 1950s as a member of the United Federal Party, and was known as a moderate MP.

Following the May 1965 elections, Smith was reelected to Parliament and was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Rhodesian Minister of Agriculture,[citation needed] and also became Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly and Chairman of Committees.

[9] On 3 September 1970, he spoke before the Parliament, urging them to pass the Land Tenure Amendment Bill, so that churches could continue their interracial worship and other activities.

As Minister of Internal Affairs, Smith introduced plans for black Rhodesians to be required to carry identity cards when working outside of designated areas.

[citation needed] After the May 1972 Pearce Commission verdict against the provisional independence proposal, he advised black Rhodesians in June 1972 that they would have to rely on themselves to improve their position, and that external assistance would not be available.

[10] Smith, who was considered to be a moderate politician, grew in popularity in Rhodesian Front during the early 1970s, as reflected by his election as vice president of the party at the annual congress on 23 September 1972.

[citation needed] In October 1972, he was entrusted with the opening of dialogue with Zimbabwe African National Union leader Abel Muzorewa.

As Minister he was held in great respect on account of his integrity, his understanding of and sympathy with human problems, his never failing courtesy and humility... His courage and energy were recognized by many and his first thought was always for the good of Rhodesia.