BLUNKETT, David Rt Hon

Member for Sheffield, Brightside and Hillsborough since 2010, for Sheffield Brightside 1987-2010. Political career: Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 2005; Home Secretary 2001-04; Secretary of State for Education and Employment 1997-2001; Member, Labour Party National Executive 1983-98; Shadow Secretary of State for Education 1994-97; Chair of the Labour Party 1993-94, Vice-Chair 1992-93; elected to Shadow Cabinet 1992 as Shadow Secretary for Health; Local Government Spokesperson 1988-92; Councillor 1970-88 and Leader of Sheffield City Council 1980-87; South Yorkshire County Councillor 1973-77; Parliamentary Candidate for Sheffield, Hallam 1974. Special political interests: Local government, education, employment, health, social services, economic and industrial policy. ,em>Profession/Trade: Gas board worker; industrial tutor. Education: Huddersfield College of Education (Technical); Sheffield University; Richmond College of Further Education, Sheffield; Royal National College for the Blind, Shrewsbury. Affiliations: UNISON; Member, Royal Institute of International Affairs; Member, Socialist Health Association; Member, Socialist Education Association. Hobbies: Poetry, walking, sailing. b. 6 June 1947. Married with four sons.