On Wednesday 17th March a group of Sheffield University journalism postgraduates grilled Sheffield Brightside MP David Blunkett on the relationship between politics and the media, the potential downfall of the Labour party, and ‘that woman he loved’.
Speaking to a group of print and broadcast student journalists, Blunkett provided wit, charisma and unexpected charm. He was warm and inviting, openly breaching more intimate topics.
“We live by the sword we die by the sword” he said.
Since my private life became open I think it’s better to own up and to move on.”
Now happily married to a doctor – (“I thought it would help me in old age”) – Blunkett appeared relaxed and open in his continued belief in the Labour Party.
“We need people not just to vote but to get people engaged in politics.”
We need voters to actually get involved in issues like climate change. It means people getting more involved. It is important that we get that across.”
People will have a lot more respect for us if we are closer to them. It’s important we keep our feet on the ground.”
A former Sun columnist, Blunkett believes that not even the tabloid’s continued attacks can shake them.
“The sun set on me when it set on the Labour Party.”
"The world has changed since 1989 when it was ‘the Sun what did it’. Now it’s like a Tory leaflet coming through the door.
People can be influenced but they’re not stupid. They could be a lot more subtle about it.”
What is a threat, however, is the growth of new media and the failings of self-regulation.
“In new media, moderation is important. Otherwise anarchy will overwhelm us."
"The PCC is rubbish. What is going to happen with the so-called new media. We need to ensure that this does not overwhelm us.”
So, despite the scandal of MPs expenses and the dwindling support of the media, what does Blunkett think is the biggest obstacle facing Labour as the elections approach?
“The biggest obstacle is having been in for 13 years and the consequences of the melt down.”
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