John Smith House, Southwark
John Smith House is the former Labour Party headquarters at 144–152 Walworth Road in south London. The party first occupied the building in 1980, vacating its former headquarters at "Transport House". It was renamed after John Smith, a former leader of the Labour Party who died in office in 1994. History. Between 1995 and 1997 the Labour Party moved most of its functions from John Smith House to Millbank Tower, which became its official HQ at the end of 1997. In 1990 The Labour Party Archive and Library moved from Walworth Road to join the People 's History Museum. John Smith House was formerly used by Southwark Local education authority. In October 2010, planning permission was granted to turn into a Safestay budget hotel. The hotel opened in July 2012. Surrounds. Next door to John Smith House was the Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Unions.