T. Dan Smith
Thomas Daniel Smith (11 May 1915 – 27 July 1993) was a British politician who was Leader of Newcastle City Council from 1960 to 1965. He was a prominent figure in the Labour Party in the north east of England, such that he was nicknamed 'Mr Newcastle' (although his opponents called him "The Mouth of the Tyne").
Smith sought to clear Newcastle of slum housing and put a great deal of effort into regeneration plans, such that the city was nicknamed (at his suggestion) "The Brasilia of the North". He also pumped money into local arts institutions.
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.
Read more about T. Dan Smith: Early Life, Takes Charge of Newcastle, Political Advancement, Corruption Trials, Post Prison, In Popular Culture
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