First leader of Wakefield Council dies
THE FIRST leader of Wakefield Council Sir Jack Smart has died aged 89
Sir Jack, who was born in Altofts, died on Thursday March 4 at Pontefract General Infirmary, after a short illness.
He started his career in 1934 as a miner, working at Glass Houghton Colliery, where he became an active member of the NUM, and was made a full-time area official in 1959, a post he held for 30 years.
Sir Jack joined the Labour Party in 1944, and was elected to Castleford Urban District Council five years later, serving as councillor for Glass Houghton for nearly 40 years.
He became the town's youngest mayor in 1962 and rose to become leader of the council, until local government reform in 1973 created Wakefield Council.
He then served as the first leader of Wakefield Council, a post he held for 11 years, as well as becoming chairman of the Association of Metropolitan Authorities.
For full story and tributes see Friday's Express
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Weather for Wakefield
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 23 C
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Wind direction: East
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