Smith is running for the position of Labour leader against incumbent Jeremy Corbyn, who refused to step down after a no-confidence vote among parliamentary members following the Brexit referendum.
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The spokesman added that any move to return to annual shadow cabinet elections should be “part of the wider debate about party democratisation and reform”.
The MPs have from 10am to 5pm to take part in a secret ballot on the proposal, put forward by Clive Betts, who represents Sheffield South East for the party. He said at the time that Shadow Cabinet elections were a “huge distraction” and he wanted Labour to “spend our time talking to the public and not ourselves”.
Mr Betts said the party had to work together whoever wins the leadership contest, adding that Labour voters had told him on the doorstep they’d find it hard to support such a divided party.
But Corbyn supporters believe the move is meant to undermine the Labour leader, who has strong support from party members but is unpopular with the PLP.
The MP for Pontypridd has repeatedly criticised the current Labour leader for failing to provide credible opposition and says Labour under his leadership would be transformed into a viable government in waiting.
The former frontbencher warned Mr Corbyn’s “weak, unpopular and incompetent” leadership risks granting the Conservatives a larger majority at the next election if the veteran remains in the top job.
He agreed that it could be a useful means to unite the party.
The remarks came as Mr Corbyn insisted Britain needs a £300 million advance research agency to keep it at the cutting edge of high-technology.
Mr Smith will say he expects the Conservative Party to bring in policies including a large-scale expansion of grammar schools if it is allowed to go unchallenged by Labour.
Labour MPs are expected to hold a formal ballot on Mr Betts’ proposal.
Labour MPs will vote tomorrow on whether to re-introduce elections for the shadow cabinet.
Considering how unpopular Mr Corbyn is with the PLP, it is likely they will vote to reverse the decision.
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Any final decision will have to be approved by the ruling National Executive Committee and at party conference.
