T. Dan Smith
T. Dan Smith | |
|---|---|
Appearing on television programme After Dark in 1988 – "Beyond the Law". | |
| Leader of Newcastle City Council | |
| In office 1959–1965 | |
| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Frank Butterfield |
| Chairman of Newcastle Labour Party | |
| In office 1953–1965 | |
| Newcastle City Councillor for Walker | |
| In office 1950–1959 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Thomas Daniel Smith 11 May 1915 Wallsend, Northumberland, England |
| Died | 27 July 1993 (aged 78) Newcastle upon Tyne, England |
| Political party | Labour |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Nickname(s) | Mr Newcastle Mouth of the Tyne |
Thomas Daniel Smith (11 May 1915 – 27 July 1993), also known by his nickname “Mr Newcastle”, was a high-profile British Labour Party politician who served as chairman of the Newcastle Labour Party from 1953 to 1965, and as Leader of Newcastle City Council from 1960 to 1965. He is best known for his work to clear Newcastle of slum housing and his plans to transform the city into "The Brasília of the North". He supported the expansion of higher education, Newcastle Airport, and local arts institutions. In 1974, Smith pleaded guilty to corruption charges.
Among the developments in which Smith's council participated were the Newcastle Civic Centre and Swan House. The latter led to the demolition of John Dobson's Royal Arcade, though Smith's council had it carefully dismantled and planned to rebuild it nearby. The succeeding council decided not to rebuild it. Smith's legacy became associated with the destruction of historic buildings in favour of unpopular concrete structures, despite the key developments happening mainly under other council leaders.
After leaving the council leadership, Smith ran a public relations firm and formed business links with architect John Poulson. In Smith's later life he campaigned for prisoners' issues and continued to comment on public affairs. He starred in a film of his life released in 1987.