Andy Burnham celebrates former Sheffield MP Lord Blunkett in first speech as Labour leader
“He has been the truest mentor to me”
A former Sheffield MP who now serves on the House of Lords was given a special mention in Andy Burnham’s first speech as Labour leader.
The Makerfield MP recognised Lord David Blunkett as his “truest member” when delivering his first speech as Labour leader at the Trades Union Congress, in central London, at midday on Friday (July 17).
Addressing Lord Blunkett from the stage, he said: “I was his parliamentary private secretary in my first experience of the front bench, but he has been the truest mentor to me in the decades since, and it’s just wonderful to be with you, Lord Blunkett, David, on this special day.
“I would say he taught me everything I know, but no… and certainly not about football. But it is wonderful to have you [in] this moment with me, David.”
Lord Blunkett served as Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough MP from 1987 to 2015, when he was appointed to the House of Lords, and is a vocal Sheffield Wednesday supporter.
Sat in the audience, he clapped as Burnham was officially elected as Labour leader.
Despite being leader, he will not become Prime Minister until Monday, when Sir Keir Starmer meets King Charles III to formally resign.
In his speech, he said he is “ready to lead”, adding: “I am for us, for all of us. And I want people to say once again that Labour are for us. I want that to just fall off people’s tongues, and we can do it.
“We can be that party, the party that puts more power in people’s hands, drives good growth in every postcode and puts hope in every heart. That gets the country pulling together again and moves beyond the divisions of recent years.
“All people and all places, public and private sectors, in a new sense of unity and common cause. That’s my mission as your new leader, to bring back hope.
“I believe in all of you, and I am confident we can do it. Thank you very much.”