The Rest Is Politics
David Blunkett on Blindness, Adversity and Why Politicians Give Up Too Easily
31 okt 2026 · 00:25:01
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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.
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.
Instagram: @restispolitics
Twitter: @restispolitics
Email: [email protected]
__________
Social Producer: Celine Charles
Video Editor: Gabriela Gibbs
Producer: India Dunkley
Assistant producer: Evie Townend
Executive Producer: Bella Soames
Editorial Director: Emily Kent Smith
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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.
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.
Instagram: @restispolitics
Twitter: @restispolitics
Email: [email protected]
__________
Social Producer: Celine Charles
Video Editor: Gabriela Gibbs
Producer: India Dunkley
Assistant producer: Evie Townend
Executive Producer: Bella Soames
Editorial Director: Emily Kent Smith
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices