Jamie Blackett
James William Beauchamp Blackett (born 17 October 1964) is a British politician, writer, landowner farmer and political activist, with articles appearing in The Daily Telegraph, The Spectator and other publications. He writes a monthly column, "Farming Life", for Country Life. He is also a regular commentator on GB News. Early life and career Educated at Eton College, Blackett served in the Coldstream Guards from 1983 to 2002, including service during The Troubles and the first Gulf War. In addition, he served as a Deputy Lieutenant for Dumfriesshire from 2013 to 2020. Blackett has been a member of the Royal Company of Archers since 2012. Blackett is a direct descendant of Christopher Blackett of Wylam Hall, Northumberland, founder of The Globe newspaper, and entrepreneur behind the world’s oldest surviving steam engine Puffing Billy. Literary career Although he writes mainly about rural matters, Blackett's first book The Enigma of Kidson is a partly autobiographical portrait of teacher Michael Kidson, whose pupils at Eton College included former Prime Minister David Cameron. In the book, Blackett describes being beaten by the Head, Michael McCrum, one of the last acts of corporal punishment at the school. It is currently being adapted for the stage by