The Smith Institute is a left-wing think tank in the United Kingdom. It was founded in memory of John Smith QC MP, former Leader of the Labour Party. Its work has focused on regional "rebalancing" away from London towards the North, health, housing, community cohesion, employment and pay, and early intervention. It was founded in 1996 in memory of John Smith MP who was leader of the Labour Party until his untimely death in 1994. The Smith Institute describes its purpose as pursuing "policies for a fairer society" and states that it aims to build on John Smith's passion for social justice.