John Denham

I am a Professorial Research Fellow in the Department of Politics and International Relations and Director of the Centre for English Identity and Politics.

The Centre explores the role played by ideas of nation and nationhood in the politics of England and of the UK. It also engages in debates about the governance of England, English devolution and England's place within the United Kingdom.

I was Labour MP for Southampton Itchen (1992-2015) and served as a Minister (1997-2003 and 2007-2010). My final Ministerial role was as Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government. I chaired the Home Affairs Select Committee from 2003 - 2007)

The Centre for English Identity and Politics was first established at Winchester University in 2015 and transfered to Southampton in 2019. The Centre runs a programme of public webinars and seminar. I research write, speak and broadcast regularly on identity and England related issues. I take a particular interest in how the Labour Party responds to the evolving pattern of national identity related politics.