Changes

However, from the early 1960s Smith had also run a string of public relations companies, which benefitted from providing PR and lobbying for building and development companies, notably that of [[John Poulson]]. Poulson built up a large architectural practice, specialising in shopping centres, town centre developments and other large projects, by bribing local councillors and officials. Smith, with his wide range of contacts through British local government and the Labour Party, was an ideal go-between and fixeer for Poulson. In 1970 he was tried, but acquitted, for corruption over a housing project in the south [[London]] borough of [[Wandsworth]]; the former council leader was gaoled. When Poulson's company collapsed in 1972, the extent of his corruption was revealed, and he, Smith, and many others were tried and gaoled. Smith was tried in 1974 and received a six year sentence, of which he served a little over half.

However, from the early 1960s Smith had also run a string of public relations companies, which benefitted from providing PR and lobbying for building and development companies, notably that of [[John Poulson]]. Poulson built up a large architectural practice, specialising in shopping centres, town centre developments and other large projects, by bribing local councillors and officials. Smith, with his wide range of contacts through British local government and the Labour Party, was an ideal go-between and fixeer for Poulson. In 1970 he was tried, but acquitted, for corruption over a housing project in the south [[London]] borough of [[Wandsworth]]; the former council leader was gaoled. When Poulson's company collapsed in 1972, the extent of his corruption was revealed, and he, Smith, and many others were tried and gaoled. Smith was tried in 1974 and received a six year sentence, of which he served a little over half.

[[Category:Political People]]

 

[[Category:Political people]]

[[Category:Crime]]

[[Category:Crime]]