David Blunkett

A former leader of Sheffield City Council, David was MP for Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough for 28 years. He went on to become a member of Tony Blair’s Cabinet serving variously as Education and Employment Secretary, Home Secretary and Secretary of State for Work and Pensions. He was made Lord Blunkett in 2015 and sits in the House of Lords.

Blind since birth, at the age of 12 David lost his father in a works accident. Educated at evening class (and on day release from work), he got a place as a mature student at the University of Sheffield.

David is currently Professor of Politics in Practice at the University of Sheffield. He is a well-known speaker, author and media contributor, both in radio and television. As a board member of the National Citizens Service Trust, he has had a long-standing interest in citizenship education and the wellbeing of young people.