David Blunkett on Blindness, Adversity and Why Politicians Give Up Too Easily

Oct 31, 2026 25 min

About this episode

To hear the full episode, and the whole series, sign up at therestispolitics.com This week, Alastair sits down with someone who – in his opinion – is the most persevilient person in politics, Lord David Blunkett. Blind since birth, he lost his father at the age of 12 and grew up in a very poor household.&nbsp; Despite this, he went on to become leader of Sheffield Council at 33, then MP for Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough, and a key architect of New Labour. You’ll hear how differently he experiences the world, not least in Westminster, why he thinks politics has before too ephemeral and why he never wants to be pitied. &nbsp; Instagram: @restispolitics Twitter: @restispolitics Email: therestispolitics@goalhanger.com __________ Social Producer: Celine Charles Video Editor: Gabriela Gibbs&nbsp; Producer: India Dunkley Assistant producer: Evie Townend Executive Producer: Bella Soames&nbsp; Editorial Director: Emily Kent Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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