Meet David Blunkett

Former RNC student David Blunkett, the latest face of the RNC I Can campaign, needs no introduction. Having retired from politics in 2015 he remains one of the UK’s most respected and influential politicians.

Prime Minister David Cameron recalled his first impression of David: “As a new Back Bencher, I will never forget coming to this place in 2001 and, in light of the appalling terrorist attacks that had taken place across the world, seeing the strong leadership he gave on the importance of keeping our country safe. He is a remarkable politician, a remarkable man.”

David now devotes his time to causes which he is passionate about. One of those causes is breaking down the barriers and misconceptions about disability. His message for our campaign is: “I Can by example motivate young people to reach their full potential and change attitudes across society towards disability in a positive manner.”

Watch the video below where David is interviewed by RNC trainee Kyle;

Biography

David Blunkett was born on 6 June 1947 in Sheffield. Improperly developed optic nerves meant that he was blind from birth. He attended RNC when it was based in Shrewsbury. After leaving he successfully studied for a degree via evening classes while simultaneously working as a local councillor for Sheffield City Council. He remained at the Council for 18 years, and was Leader from 1980 to 1987. He also served on South Yorkshire County Council from 1973 to 1977.

David entered Parliament in 1987 as Labour MP for Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough. Within 15 months he had been appointed Shadow Local Government Minister before becoming first Shadow Health Secretary and then Shadow Education Secretary.

With Labour’s election victory in 1997 he became Education and Employment Secretary. He has since described walking in to the Department of Education and Employment for the first time as a high point of his career and has always maintained his keen interest in both areas.

In 2001 David became Home Secretary where he dealt with the changes in society that followed the September 11 attacks. After the 2005 general election he became Work and Pensions Secretary.

In recent years David has provided wise advice and great support to RNC as we have lobbied the government over reforms to education for young people with special educational needs and the need for specialist programmes to help people with a visual impairment in to employment. He is also committed to his work with Sheffield University and with a range of charity and community organisations.

David is an Associate Governor of RNC and we are delighted and proud that he has joined our I Can campaign and continues to inspire our students, and many others, through his own example.

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