All episodes

The Rest Is Politics

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

25 minutes | Saturday, 31 October 2026

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. 



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: therestispolitics@goalhanger.com

__________



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

David Blunkett on Blindness, Adversity and Why Politicians Give Up Too Easily
The Rest Is Politics

-
Use the arrow keys to increase and decrease the volume, or space to toggle mute.