Hazel Blears MP

With over a decade’s experience in high profile executive positions, Hazel has operated at the most senior levels of government and commerce. An experienced influencer and shaper of policy, she has successfully navigated important legislation across a broad canvass of important national matters including Security, Local Government and Health.

Between 2003 – 2006 Hazel was Police and Counter Terrorism Minister and she led a major culture change programme which saw the successful implementation of neighbourhood policing. The new policy was implemented across 43 police force areas, and resulted in a major shift in the way policing operates across the UK. As Minister she had to successfully develop the buy in and support of an initially skeptical police service. This period also saw her deal with the aftermath of one of the country’s largest terrorist outrages in the 7/7 and 21/7 bombs on London Underground. She was responsible for the formulation of new counter terrorism legislation, steering it through Parliament and building relationships with the Muslim community.

From 2007 – 2009, Hazel was Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government and was responsible for the formulation of policy and legislation to meet the needs of a changing society. During this period she had a particular focus on strengthening links between local community engagement and counter terrorism , with the implementation of the ‘prevent agenda’ to tackle radicalisation. She also introduced the ‘Total Place’ approach, bringing together resources across health, local government and policing into Community Budgets to integrate services and maximize impact in local areas.

Hazel is currently a member of the Intelligence and Security Committee, responsible for the oversight of our intelligence agencies. She has developed a depth of expertise in national and international security matters and has represented the UK internationally on a range of intergovernmental defence and security forums.