David Blunkett throws support behind Andy Burnham

Former Labour MP David Blunkett has announced he is supporting Andy Burnham’s bid to become the next Labour leader. Burnham served as Blunkett’s Parliamentary Private Secretary between 2003-04, where he impressed the then-Home Secretary.

Blunkett stood down as MP for Sheffield Brightside after 28 years this May, but has not retired from the spotlight completely – last week he said Labour was suffering from “emotional trauma” following the election defeat.

In an article for the Sunday Mirror today, Blunkett praises Burnham “gritty no-nonsense background”, and says that the Shadow Health Secretary “understands the challenges” the country faces. He said:

“He understands the challenges for Britain in a global economy and the enormous forces mustered against progressive politics. He can provide the answers. I know because Andy was a member of my team when Labour was in Government.

Yes, in Government, not in irrelevant opposition.

He combines a gritty no-nonsense background with aspiration and a demonstration of the importance of education to liberating talent.

Andy can and will provide that vision of where Britain can go in 2020. And, as importantly, he can deliver the only thing that will allow us to turn dreams into action – the election of a Labour Government.”