Crispin Blunt

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Crispin Blunt – Life, Career, and Public Persona

A comprehensive biography of Crispin Blunt—British politician, former MP for Reigate, minister, and outspoken public figure. Learn about his background, political path, controversies, and viewpoints.

Introduction

Crispin Jeremy Rupert Blunt (born 15 July 1960) is a British politician and former Member of Parliament (MP) who served the constituency of Reigate from 1997 until 2024. Over his long parliamentary career, he held roles such as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Prisons & Youth Justice and Chair of the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Select Committee.

Blunt’s career has been marked by both influence and controversy. In October 2023, he was arrested on suspicion of rape and possession of controlled substances, which led to the Conservative Party removing the whip and his sitting as an independent MP until his retirement.

Below is a full view of his life, career, values, controversies, and public voice.

Early Life & Education

Crispin Blunt was born on 15 July 1960 in West Germany to English parents Adrienne (née Richardson) and Major-General Peter Blunt. His father, Peter Blunt, was a distinguished British Army officer.

He was educated at Wellington College in Berkshire, followed by the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, where he was awarded the Queen’s Medal.

While commissioned in the Army, he also pursued academic work: he studied politics at University College, Durham (1981–1984), where he was elected President of the Durham Union Society in 1983. Later, in 1991, he earned an MBA from the Cranfield School of Management.

Military Service

Blunt began his military service in August 1979, commissioned as a second lieutenant. He transferred to the 13th/18th Royal Hussars (Queen Mary’s Own) in March 1980.

He was promoted to lieutenant in 1981 and captain in 1986, serving in postings to Cyprus, Germany, and Britain as troop leader, operations officer, and armored reconnaissance squadron commander. Blunt left active service in September 1990, transferring to the Reserve of Officers.

Entry into Politics & Parliamentary Career

First Election & Early Roles

Blunt was elected MP for Reigate in the 1997 general election, replacing Sir George Gardiner. He joined the House of Commons Defence Select Committee early in his parliamentary career.

In later years, he held frontbench and ministerial roles. Under the Coalition government (2010–2015), Blunt served as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Prisons & Youth Justice (2010–2012).

From 2015 to 2017, he chaired the Foreign Affairs Select Committee in the Commons.

Political Positions & Shifts

Crispin Blunt has been a long-standing Eurosceptic, advocating for a referendum on EU membership. Over time, his views on LGBT and social issues evolved: earlier his voting record was less favorable toward gay rights, but he later publicly expressed regret and championed LGBT and transgender rights as extensions of individual liberty.

He has also been a critic of Israel at times, served as a co-director of the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians, and in 2023 announced willingness to pursue UK leaders implicated in Gaza for war crimes.

Blunt has supported decriminalization of cannabis and the liberalization of certain drug laws (e.g. legalization of psilocybin).

He pushed for reform of parliamentary prayers, arguing that the embedded practice can disadvantage nonreligious MPs.

In 2022, Blunt was the first Conservative MP to publicly call on Liz Truss to resign, saying it was “blindingly obvious.”

In 2022–2023, he sparked controversy after defending MP Imran Ahmad Khan (convicted of sexual assault), calling his conviction a “miscarriage of justice.” He later apologized, then reconsidered parts of the apology.

In October 2023, he was arrested on suspicion of rape and drug possession, causing the Conservative Party to strip him of the whip. He sat as an independent MP until the dissolution of Parliament in 2024. He did not stand for re-election in 2024.

As of May 2025, the police investigation into the rape allegation was dropped for lack of evidence, though separate investigations into controlled substances remain open.

Personality, Influence & Public Perception

Blunt is known for his willingness to take controversial stances and not always toeing party lines. His evolution on social issues, vocal criticism of leadership, and support for reformist stances have made him both admired and criticized.

His military background added credibility on defense and foreign affairs matters. His long tenure in Parliament endowed him institutional knowledge, though his recent controversies have cast a long shadow over his legacy.

He is also the uncle of actress Emily Blunt, a point often noted in media coverage.

On the personal side, Blunt married Victoria Jenkins in 1990; they separated in 2010 when he publicly acknowledged his homosexuality, though they never divorced. He has two children.

Notable Statements & Quotes

While Crispin Blunt is not widely quoted for pithy aphorisms, a few of his public remarks stand out:

On calling for Truss’s resignation in 2022:
“I think the game is up and it’s now a question as to how the succession is managed. … If there is such a weight of opinion in the parliamentary party that we have to have a change, then it will be effected.”

Regarding his changed stance on LGBT rights: He has expressed that support for transgender persons is consistent with a conservative tradition of individual liberty.

On parliamentary prayers: He has argued that allowing MPs who pray to reserve seats disadvantages non-religious colleagues, and that the practice is discriminatory.

These statements reflect his readiness to challenge norms and advocate reform, even within his own party.

Lessons & Legacy

Crispin Blunt’s life and career offer several insights and caveats:

• Longevity does not immunize from controversy — Even decades of public service can be overshadowed by later allegations.

• Evolving views can reshape reputation — His journey on LGBT and social policy demonstrates personal and political evolution.

• Institutional roles matter — His committee chairmanship and ministerial positions allowed him to influence justice and foreign affairs policy.

• Principle vs. party — Blunt sometimes prioritized principle or reform over blind party loyalty, which both earned praise and isolation.

• Public scrutiny is relentless — Personal decisions, private life, and public responsibilities are deeply intertwined for public figures.

Conclusion

Crispin Blunt is a significant figure in recent British politics — a long-serving MP, a minister, a committee chair, and a controversial reformer. His career reflects both influence and turbulence. As his public life recedes following his exit from Parliament, his legacy will likely be debated: his early contributions to justice and foreign affairs against the shadow of later allegations and controversies.

Citation for this page: Crispin Blunt. Wikipedia.