Blunkett, David (1947-…), a Labour Party politician, became the first blind person to serve in the United Kingdom’s Cabinet. Under Prime Minister Tony Blair, Blunkett served as secretary of state for education and employment from 1997 to 2001, as home secretary from 2001 to 2004, and as work and pensions secretary in 2005. Controversies caused him to resign from his positions as home secretary and as work and pensions secretary.
Blunkett was born on June 6, 1947. He was educated in England at Sheffield School for the Blind, Royal Normal College for the Blind, Shrewsbury Technical College, University of Sheffield, and Huddersfield College of Education. He was leader of Sheffield City Council from 1980 to 1987. Blunkett has been a member of Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC) since 1983 and Labour member of Parliament for Sheffield Brightside since 1987.
