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.

Legal problems

Smith's PR firm was involved with Wandsworth Borough Council in pushing a redevelopment scheme, where its contact was Alderman Sidney Sporle. Sporle fell under police suspicion of corruption in the late 1960s and an inquiry led to Smith being charged with bribery in January 1970. Although acquitted at trial in July 1971, Smith was forced to resign all his political offices. Subsequently, Poulson's 1972 bankruptcy hearings disclosed extensive bribery and in October 1973 Smith was again arrested on corruption charges. He pleaded guilty in 1974 and was sentenced to six years' imprisonment.

Related Topics:
Wandsworth Borough Council - 1960s - 1970 - 1971 - 1972 - 1973 - 1974

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On release in 1977 Smith attempted to rebuild a political career, but was refused readmission to the Labour Party. He worked for the Howard League for Penal Reform and campaigned for the rights of released prisoners. In 1987 (the year he was finally readmitted to the Labour Party), Smith starred in a drama-documentary about his story and the regeneration of Newcastle. Smith's story was also the basis of the character Austin Donohue (played by Alun Armstrong) in the 1996 BBC television drama serial Our Friends in the North.

Related Topics:
1977 - 1987 - Alun Armstrong - 1996 - BBC - Our Friends in the North

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Smith is regarded with mixed emotions by the people of the City he ran. While he was involved in extensive corruption, his desire to improve life for the working-class people was undeniable and he did much to improve housing conditions.

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