Sheffield's Lord Blunkett to receive honorary degree for services to politics

Nick Matthew, British Open May 2015. Picture supplied by squashpics.com

Former MP Lord David Blunkett and squash player Nick Matthew are among 11 esteemed recipients to receive the degrees from Sheffield University next week.

Lord Blunkett was once leader of Sheffield Council and was elected MP for Sheffield Brightside in 1987 before going on to serve as the Government’s education and employment secretary, home secretary and work and pensions secretary.

In June 2015 he was appointed as a visiting politics professor at the university and, last August, he took up a seat in the House of Lords.

Speaking following his appointment, Professor Blunkett said: “I’ve always been proud to work with the university that welcomed me as a mature student all those years ago.”

He will receive his honorary degree in recognition of his contribution to British politics next Friday, July 22, during the 3.30pm ceremony.

Squash star Nick will receive his honorary degree on Monday.

The avid Owls fan, who writes a sports column for The Star, is a three-times World Champion, three-times British Open Champion, seven-times British National Champion and a double Commonwealth Games gold medallist.

Nick, who still lives in Sheffield, continues to play at the Hallamshire Tennis and Squash Club where he has also established the Nick Matthew Academy, which provides tuition and guidance for young players.