T. Dan Smith - Post Prison

Post Prison

While in prison, Smith was involved in amateur dramatics and encouraged Leslie Grantham to pursue this career as a professional; Grantham was later to star in the BBC soap opera EastEnders. On release from Leyhill Open Prison 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, and occasionally commented on municipal housing issues. In 1985 he wrote that "Thatcherism, in an odd sort of way, could reasonably be described as legalised Poulsonism. Contributions to Tory Party funds will be repaid by the handing over of public assets for private gain."

In 1987 (the year he was readmitted to the Labour Party), Smith starred in a drama-documentary, T.Dan Smith: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Utopia about his story and the regeneration of Newcastle. This was based on his autobiography. It had a cinema release in 1987, and was broadcast on Channel 4 the following year.

By 1990 he was on the executive of the Newcastle Tenants Association, and living on the 14th floor of Mill House, a tower block in the Cruddas Park area of the City.