Jonathan Freedland (Power, corruption and lies: the TV show that could teach Keir Starmer a lot about being bold, 1 September) refers to the scandal of local government corruption in Newcastle back in the day under T Dan Smith. Most writers only ever mention that particular leader of the city.
But Smith’s successor as leader of Newcastle city council, my wonderful father-in-law (now Lord) Jeremy Beecham, will go down in history as one of the great visionary champions of local government, and indeed of true Labour politics in action for local people, throughout his 17-year tenure in the post from 1977.
