Newcastle councillor stepping down due to terminal pancreatic cancer

Jason Smith was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in March

A councillor living with terminal cancer has been forced to stand down because of his worsening condition.

Jason Smith had been hoping to see out his term of office but has decided to tender his resignation to spend more time with his family.

He said his health had deteriorated in the past few weeks and he would need more treatment.

Mr Smith, who represents Lemington, will be made an honorary alderman of the city next week.

"However determined I am to continue as councillor, it is clear that it is no longer possible," he said.

"It has been a huge honour to serve as councillor for the ward I grew up in and where I have lived for almost all of my life. I am proud of the things I have been able to achieve in the 17 years I have been involved in local politics in Newcastle."

'Kind and dignified opponent'

The 50-year-old told colleagues at Newcastle City Council he was suffering from stage-four pancreatic cancer last month.

He had been diagnosed just days before his birthday in March and was given four to six months to live.

Since the announcement, Mr Smith has been campaigning to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer.

It has the lowest survival rate of common cancers and half of patients die within three months.

The one-year survival rate in the North East is 25%.

Mr Smith, who founded Newcastle Independents, previously said dying from pancreatic cancer suddenly was "nothing short of tragic".

City council leader Nick Kemp, who has nominated Mr Smith for the title of honorary alderman, said: "No one could have failed to be moved by the courageous speech Jason gave at the last city council raising awareness of pancreatic cancer.

"I know Jason has been ill for some time but true to his nature he has committed himself to the residents of Lemington throughout."

Mr Kemp described Mr Smith as a kind and dignified political opponent, saying that he respected his service and the manner in which he has approached it.

"He will be missed in the council chamber, missed by his constituents but clearly - and most importantly - by his lovely family," said Mr Kemp.

No by-election is expected to fill the vacancy in Lemington, because Mr Smith stands down within six months of the next scheduled local elections in May.