Rt Hon David Blunkett MP

Feeling the benefit

David has written an article for this month's edition of Progress, the magazine produced by the Labour think tank of the same name.

David writes that Labour must not dismiss Iain Duncan Smith's proposed welfare reforms out of hand — because welfare cheats and benefit dependency are crucial issues which must be addressed if we are to ensure that more people have the opportunity of work.

"Work is the best form of welfare," David writes. Read his article here.

I'm voting for Andy Burnham and giving my second preference to David Miliband

UPDATE Tues 7/9: Read David's interview with the Guardian

David writes on the Labour leadership contest and why Andy Burnham's supporters should give their second preferences to David Miliband.

As Labour Party members begin to fill in their ballot papers and choose their new leader, it is time for us to face up to the questions that really matter.

Who can lead the fight against the coalition’s cuts agenda from day one? Who can regain power for Labour – not in ten years, not in 18, but as soon as the next election comes? Who has got the vision for the future of the country – and the capacity to appeal to the whole nation?

You would expect me to endorse and to support someone whose background, connections and political perspective mirror my own – not least when he happens to have been my Parliamentary Private Secretary and a Minister in my team when in government.

That’s why I’ve placed my first preference with Andy Burnham.

I believe that being genuinely in touch with the day-to-day concerns and heartfelt hopes of individual men and women across the country is a critical pre-requisite to Labour’s re-election to government and to its future success.

It is that connection that led Andy to understand the imperative of creating a National Care Service and taking on the challenge of an ageing population. His efforts in this regard have not had the recognition that they deserve – doubly so when you consider the irony that those who would stand most to benefit from such a Service are the ones most likely to vote ... but that they were more likely to vote for the Conservatives at the last election than Labour!

This just goes to emphasise the importance of speaking to every section of our society – and to having a vision of an enabling government, which puts power and opportunity in the hands of the citizen.

Andy has understood this – and so, in spades, has David Miliband, which is why I will be giving him my second preference.