Labour Leader John Smith remembered by Weald of Kent Labour

The life and legacy of the late Labour Leader the Rt Hon John Smith MP was remembered at a social evening for members of Weald of Kent Labour Party on 19th December in Tenterden. Speaking at the meeting was David Ward (our CLP Secretary) who worked closely with Smith from 1985 eventually serving as his Head of Policy when he was Leader of the Opposition until his untimely death in May 1994.
Describing Smith “a great Labour Leader and one of the most accomplished parliamentarians of his time” David argued that ‘his legacy is great but often overlooked. Under his leadership Labour committed to a national minimum wage, devolution in Scotland and Wales, and freedom of information. These policies became lasting achievements of the Labour Government after 1997. At the time of his death Labour had a 20 point lead in the opinion polls and was well placed to defeat the Tories at the next election”.
To mark the 30th anniversary of his death a new book about John Smith – edited by Kevin Hickson and with a chapter written by David Ward has been published by Biteback Books. See: John Smith | Biteback Publishing.