T. Dan Smith

Thomas Daniel Smith (May 11, 1915 - July 27, 1993) was a British politician who was Leader of Newcastle upon Tyne City Council from 1960 to 1965 and a prominent figure in the Labour Party in the north-east of England, such that he was nicknamed 'Mr Newcastle'. While leading the redevelopment of his city, Smith formed business links with architect John Poulson which led to his trial for accepting bribes in April 1974, at which he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to six years' imprisonment. He starred in a film of his life released in 1987.

Early life

Smith was born in Wallsend, the son of a miner. Both his parents held strong left-wing views and Smith adopted these. He was unemployed during the 1930s but founded his own painting and decorating business in 1937 which was known for being somewhat economical (its local nickname was 'One-Coat Smith'). During World War II, Smith registered as a conscientious objector and was initially active in opposing the war and organising strikes against it; he supported the war after the German invasion of the Soviet Union.

Related Topics:
Wallsend - 1930s - 1937 - World War II - Conscientious objector - Soviet Union

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During the war Smith joined several left-wing organisations including the Independent Labour Party and the Revolutionary Communist Party, but, by 1945, he was a member of the Labour Party. In 1950 he was elected to Newcastle City Council as a Labour member, and became Chairman of the Labour Group in 1953. It was at this stage that he adopted his unusual formulation of name, after an embarrassing incident at Newcastle Airport when he was confused with another Dan Smith.

Related Topics:
Independent Labour Party - Revolutionary Communist Party - 1945 - Labour Party - 1950 - 1953 - Newcastle Airport

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