John Smith (Labour Party leader)

John Smith (1938-1994) was a British politician who served as the Leader of the Labour Party from 1992 until his sudden death in 1994.

Born in Dalmally, Argyll, Smith was educated at Dunoon Grammar School and the University of Glasgow, where he studied law. He was called to the Scottish Bar in 1967.

His political career began in local government, and he was elected Member of Parliament (MP) for North Lanarkshire in 1970, a seat he held until his death. He quickly rose through the Labour Party ranks, serving in various shadow cabinet positions during the 1980s, including Shadow Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Following Labour's defeat in the 1992 general election, Smith was elected as Leader of the Labour Party. His leadership was characterised by a focus on economic credibility and modernising the party's constitution. He oversaw the abolition of Clause IV, a clause in the Labour Party's constitution that committed it to common ownership of the means of production, distribution, and exchange. This was seen as a key step in repositioning Labour as a more centrist party, electable to a wider range of voters.

Smith was widely regarded as a skilled orator and a respected figure across the political spectrum. His sudden death from a heart attack in May 1994 shocked the nation and left a significant void in British politics. He was succeeded as Labour Leader by Tony Blair. Despite his relatively short time as leader, Smith is remembered for his contributions to modernising the Labour Party and laying the groundwork for its subsequent electoral success in 1997.