Tributes paid to former Newcastle councillor

Jason Smith, who represented Lemington, died just weeks after standing down as a councillor. He leaves a wife and four children.

Mr Smith, who revealed his cancer diagnosis in an emotional speech at a meeting of full council last November went on to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer in the hope that people with potential symptoms would seek medical advice.

Today tributes flooded in from across the council to Mr Smith.

Council leader, Cllr Nick Kemp, said: “Jason was a kind and dignified political opponent who was committed to serving the people of Lemington. 

“His record of public service began long before he became a councillor.

“The speech he made in full council in November when he revealed his diagnosis with pancreatic cancer was delivered with honesty, humility, and dignity, and in doing so he did so much to raise awareness of the illness.

“The way he conducted himself in the face of such a personal challenge was testimony to Jason and his family.  

 “He will be missed by colleagues across the council and my thoughts are with his family at this time.”

Denton and Westerhope Cllr Tracey Mitchell, who took over from Mr Smith as leader of the Newcastle Independents Party, was a personal friend.

She said: “Not only was Jason a colleague but also a great friend. 

“He was there for advice at any time and what Jason did not know about politics was not worth knowing. 

“Jason always fought for his residents even long before he was elected, and I was privileged to have been able to be alongside him on our political journey together.

“The dignity he showed throughout his illness was remarkable and his speech in November in the chamber was inspiring and deserved the standing ovation he received. 

“Personally, there are not the words to express the grief I feel I am beyond devastated; he will be sorely missed by all of us, and we send our love and support to his family.”

Leader of the opposition, Liberal Democrat, Cllr Colin Ferguson, said: “Jason was a dedicated public servant and advocate for Newcastle. 

“His dedication to the residents of Lemington was always clear. He will be sorely missed. 

“I will always remember his constructive engagement with me, and colleagues across the chamber, on matters of mutual interest, as well as his insight and his good humour.

“He spoke with great courage about his illness in recent months to raise awareness, which is a testament to his character. My thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.”

In November Mr Smith took a motion to council calling on the authority to share as much information as possible about the cancer to raise awareness in the hope that people showing symptoms would go to their GP. 

 The motion was unanimously passed and then Mr Smith made a video about his diagnosis. In December he became an Honorary Alderman in recognition of his eminent service to the city before the illness forced him to stand down.

 A minute’s silence will take place at a meeting of the council tonight.

There will also be a minute’s silence to former Westerhope councillor June Angus who passed away earlier this month. She served as a councillor from 1990 to 2004.