T. Dan Smith, Date of Birth, Place of Birth, Date of Death

T. Dan Smith

British local politician in Newcastle

Date of Birth: 11-May-1915

Place of Birth: Wallsend, England, United Kingdom

Date of Death: 27-Jul-1993

Profession: politician

Nationality: United Kingdom

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

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 North East England, such that he was nicknamed Mr Newcastle.Smith sought to clear Newcastle of slum housing and put a great deal of effort into regeneration plans, suggesting that the city should become "The Brasilia of the North".
He also supported the expansion of higher education in Newcastle and funded local arts institutions.
Among the developments Smith's council participated in were the Eldon Square Shopping Centre, Newcastle Civic Centre and Swan House.
The latter led to the demolition of John Dobson's Royal Arcade, though Smith's council had planned to rebuild it nearby.
Smith's legacy became associated with the destruction of historic buildings in favour of unpopular concrete structures, though the key developments happened partly under other council leaders. Through his later work running a public relations firm, Smith formed business links with architect John Poulson, which led to his trial for accepting bribes in April 1974.
He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to six years' imprisonment.
In his 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.