Daniel Zeichner, Class of 1975

Daniel has served as the Labour MP for Cambridge since 2015, being re-elected in 2017, 2019 and 2024. In July 2024, he was appointed Minister of State for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, reflecting his lifelong passion for environmental and agricultural issues. Daniel previously held roles as Shadow Environment and Transport Minister and contributed to several parliamentary committees.

Beyond politics, he is a Cambridge United fan, music enthusiast and avid walker. He lives in Cambridge with his partner Barbara, near where they first met as students at King’s College.

Your father’s experience as a political refugee and your mother’s family history in Cambridgeshire are quite distinct. How have these contrasting backgrounds shaped your identity and approach to politics?

My parents’ backgrounds have been hugely influential in shaping both my personal identity and my political approach. My father’s experience as a political refugee fleeing Vienna with his family in the late 1930s instilled in me a deep respect for justice, human rights and the importance of protecting those fleeing persecution.

My mother’s roots in Cambridgeshire have given me a grounded understanding of local communities—their needs, traditions and the importance of policies that actually improve people’s day-to-day lives. My grandfather on my mum’s side fought in the trenches in the First World War and lost a leg. There has to be a better way to resolve disputes than that – which is why politics matters.

What first sparked your interest in politics, and was there a particular moment or figure that inspired you to join the Labour Party in 1979?

My interest in politics began in my teens as I became more aware of social inequality and injustice, but it was really the political and economic landscape of the late 1970s that drove me to join the Labour Party in 1979.

I joined the Labour Party because I wanted to be part of that fight to build a fairer, more equal society.

Barbara Castle inspired me with her dedication to social justice and her conviction that government could be a force for good. Joining at the dawn of the Thatcher era only strengthened my commitment, as I was appalled by the damage that Margaret Thatcher and the Conservatives were doing – it was no good just complaining!

Reflecting on your time at Trinity, what was the most valuable lesson you took away from your school years?

I was fortunate enough to have some truly inspiring teachers during my time at Trinity, who instilled in me the importance of thinking critically and questioning assumptions. This mindset has been incredibly valuable throughout my career in politics, where complex issues often require a willingness to dig deeper and understand perspectives that might be overlooked.

Another lesson from those years was the value of community. While we were encouraged to excel individually, we were also reminded of the importance of working together and supporting one another. That sense of collective responsibility - understanding that no one succeeds in isolation has been central to my approach in public life.

You studied history at King’s College, Cambridge. How did your time there deepen your understanding of the political and social issues you have worked on throughout your career?

Studying history at King’s College, Cambridge, profoundly shaped my understanding of political and social issues and continues to inform my work to this day. History teaches us that social and political challenges are rarely isolated; they are usually the product of long-term forces and systems that shape society over time.

Cambridge at that time made me more aware of the deep-seated class divisions that scar society but also, tuition in very small groups can help give confidence that sets you up for almost anything later. Being surrounded by people deeply engaged in social and political debates encouraged me to examine my own values and pushed me to think about the role politics can play in creating a fairer society. The analytical skills I gained there – learning to evaluate evidence, construct arguments and consider different viewpoints – have been invaluable in my role as an MP, where complex policy decisions require a nuanced understanding of both past and present.

You have had a varied career, from IT work to parliamentary assistant and councillor. How did your early professional experiences shape your political career?

My early career gave me a unique perspective on the issues many people face daily, and these insights have stayed with me throughout my political journey. The workplace came as a bit of a shock, particularly the everyday sexism and pervasive misogyny, even in the IT sector. Working in IT, I also saw, first hand, the impact of technological change on the workforce, from job instability to the rapid pace of skill development needed to keep up. This experience made me deeply aware of the need for policies that support workers through transitions, especially as technology continues to reshape the job market. It also highlighted the importance of digital inclusion— something I’m passionate about ensuring in our communities today.

My work as a parliamentary assistant introduced me to the day-to-day of parliamentary life and policy making. That role gave me an inside look at how laws and policies are crafted, as well as an understanding of the importance of meticulous research and the power of effective communication. This insight proved invaluable during my time as a councillor, where I had the opportunity to put these skills to use in representing local communities directly.

You contested many elections before winning in Cambridge. How did those early campaigns shape your resilience and political strategy?

Those early campaigns were crucial in building my resilience and understanding of effective campaigning. Losing an election can be disheartening, especially when you are passionate about the issues you are fighting for. However, each campaign taught me valuable lessons about engaging with people, understanding their concerns and adapting my approach to better represent their needs. Losing also strengthened my resilience, reinforcing the importance of perseverance in politics – change is rarely immediate and setbacks are inevitable.

These campaigns shaped my strategy, emphasising the importance of truly listening to the electorate. Knocking on doors, I encountered differing views, which helped me refine my approach. It taught me that while policy matters, trust and credibility with the public are equally crucial. I also learned that it’s not all about you, how to lose gracefully and how to recognise that winning means others have lost.

You’ve been a vocal advocate on key issues, such as Brexit and environmental policy. How do you balance staying true to your principles while navigating the complexities of party politics?

Brexit raised deeply complex issues, particularly here in Cambridge, where strong pro-European sentiment needed a voice. There have to be compromises in politics and, as a representative, it isn’t all about one’s own personal view – you have to be mindful of the interests and views of those you represent.

In 2017, you resigned as a Shadow Minister to vote in favour of single market membership. How difficult was it to take that stand, and what do you think it says about your approach to politics?

Resigning as a Shadow Minister in 2017 to vote for single market membership was, indeed, a difficult decision, but it felt like the only honest one. Representing Cambridge – a city that overwhelmingly values international cooperation, I felt it was my duty to stand up for what my constituents and I believed in. But I had really enjoyed the shadow transport brief, so it wasn’t without cost.

In your 1975 school magazine article The Need for Evolution, you championed public schools like Trinity as vital for educational excellence and social diversity. Yet on 8th October, as a Labour MP, you voted to impose VAT on independent school fees and opposed criticism of this decision. What changed?

Re-reading the article, I think it was a bit more critical than you suggest! However, I’m older and wiser now, and over the years my views have evolved as I’ve seen the broader picture of our education system. Today, I believe that we need to prioritise making high-quality education accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford private schooling. Imposing VAT on independent school fees is one way to ensure that we can invest more in our state schools, which serve the vast majority of students. It’s not about diminishing the value of independent schools, but about creating a fairer system where every child has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of background.

Looking back on your journey, what would you tell your younger self when you were just starting out at Trinity or Cambridge?

Looking back, I would encourage my younger self to trust in the power of persistence. Politics, like many things in life, is about long term commitment and building relationships over time, rather than expecting quick wins.

I would also tell my younger self to be more confident and not be afraid to take risks – I was too timid. At Trinity and Cambridge, I was surrounded by incredibly bright people, and it was easy to feel like I had to have all the answers. But what I’ve learned over the years is that it’s okay not to know everything at the start, and sometimes the most important thing is to stay curious and open-minded.

What advice would you give to young people today who are considering a career in politics, particularly in such a rapidly changing political landscape?

Do it! I have the best job in the world, in my view. I meet the most interesting people every day and, working with others, I have the opportunity to really make a difference. It took me 20 years and five general elections to finally get to Westminster, so it isn’t always a quick or easy path, but it is quite a prize.

Stay true to your values, but also be prepared to adapt and listen. Politics is always evolving, especially in today’s fast-changing world, and it’s important to understand the issues people are facing at grassroots level. The most effective politicians are those who stay grounded in their principles, but who also remain flexible enough to respond to new challenges and ideas. And democracy matters!

Get involved early, whether through activism, volunteering or working for a cause you care about. The experience and connections you build will be invaluable.

Finally, remember that politics is about service. It’s about helping people, not seeking power for its own sake. If you keep that focus, it will help you navigate the complexities and pressures of political life.