The Netflix drama Toxic Town has reignited discussions surrounding a significant scandal from local government history, spotlighting the notorious T Dan Smith. As depicted in the series, Smith's actions nearly fifty years ago continue to shape perceptions of political integrity and accountability in local governance.
April 2025 marks a poignant moment as it recalls Smith's time in Leyhill Prison, Gloucestershire. In stark contrast to his vibrant political life, where he was once celebrated as a visionary leader, Smith's legacy is now tainted by corruption. In 1965, just a decade prior to his imprisonment, he had resigned as the head of the Newcastle city council to chair the Northern Economic Planning Council. During his tenure, he was known as "Mr Newcastle" and was a proponent of initiatives that became standard in local government, such as establishing council cabinets.
Fast forward to 1974, Smith found himself entangled in a web of corruption alongside architect John Poulson. Their relationship, described by journalists Raymond Fitzwalter and David Taylor as straightforward yet complex, illustrates how Smith's methods involved the use of multiple public relations companies. These companies employed local councillors to provide Smith and Poulson with access to influential networks within public projects, effectively paving the way for unethical business practices.
Smith's arrest in 1970 preceded his resignation from all public offices, a fall from grace that halted Labour’s regional ambitions. The ramifications of his actions led to a greater scrutiny of local government practices. The Royal Commission on Standards of Conduct in Public Life, which published its findings in 1976, noted, "Councillors may enter public life with little preparation and may find themselves handling matters on a financial scale quite beyond their experience in private life." These insights are still echoed in current discussions about the preparedness of public officials.
In its minority report, the Commission highlighted concerns over the pressures facing councillors, noting that individuals with genuine intentions to serve could develop a "Robin Hood syndrome," potentially placing themselves above the law. The report questioned whether enough safeguards existed to protect against the selfish motives of public figures, a sentiment that resonates even today. The political environment prevailing in the wake of the Profumo Affair and Smith's scandals set the stage for a critical reshaping of governmental oversight.
Central to the discourse surrounding the risks of concentrated power in governance, Andrew Cunningham, who faced similar corruption allegations in County Durham, serves as a contemporary reflection of Smith’s saga. Michael Heseltine, a former minister responsible for local government, criticized the lack of accountable leadership, advocating instead for directly elected mayors to counter the perceived dangers of unchecked political authority. This concept, although contentious, later found traction with the introduction of metro mayors in various regions.
While Smith’s testimony before the Royal Commission was often viewed as self-serving, he did emphasize the crucial role of political parties in establishing standards of conduct. Additionally, he controversially advocated for increased remuneration for councillors, attempting to underscore the difficulties they faced in public service.
During his time in prison, Smith's character and influence on popular culture were not diminished; he notably encouraged fellow inmate Leslie Granthan to pursue acting, leading Granthan to find fame as the loveable rogue Dirty Den in the long-running TV series EastEnders. Moreover, Smith's life story inspired a character in the television drama Our Friends in the North, illustrating his enduring impact on British culture and media.
Phil Swann, currently pursuing a PhD at INLOGOV, is investigating the evolution of central-local government relations and the legacies of figures like Smith. His research reflects a broader inquiry into the nature of political trust and accountability, with echoes of Smith's era continuing to inform debates over the competence and ethics of local governance.
The complex narrative surrounding T Dan Smith serves as a cautionary tale that remains topical, invoking thoughts on the need for transparent practices in public administration today. As we navigate the political landscape shaped by historical figures and contemporary dramas like Toxic Town, the lessons of the past should inform a vigilant approach to ensuring integrity within our local governments.
