Glenys Elizabeth Kinnock, Lady Kinnock of Holyhead, née Parry. Born 7 July 1944; died 3 December 2023.
We are mourning the death at the age of 79 of Lady Glenys Kinnock, whose husband, Neil Kinnock, is one of the patrons of UKMA. She was somebody who was much more than a political spouse, but rather a politician of note in her own right.
Although born in Northamptonshire, she will always be thought of as a native of Wales, where she grew up and learned the Welsh language. She was an active and enthusiastic member of the Labour Party from her days as a student of history and education at University College Cardiff. She spent some 30 years teaching, both at primary and secondary level, working full-time while her children were at school.
She was always a strong supporter of her husband in his various roles, including as Labour party leader and as Vice-President of the European Commission, but she had a mind of her own and was well able to speak out on the issues important to her. She was devoted to humanitarian causes and helped found a charity, One World Action, in 1989.
She was a elected by a large majority to the European Parliament, and represented South East Wales from 1994 to 2009. She was widely respected as a capable knowledgeable politician. As an MEP she worked hard for the causes of feminism, human rights, and poverty in the developing world. She was co-chair of Europe’s joint parliamentary assembly with the ACP (Africa, Caribbean and Pacific) group. During their time in Brussels, she and her husband were understandably described as ‘Europe’s premier power couple’.
She stood down in 2009 to become a member of the Brown government, as minister of state, initially for Europe and later for Africa. This led to her elevation to the House of Lords. The Kinnocks were therefore once again an unusual and special couple, both holding peerages in their own right. During the first 3 years of the Cameron government, she was opposition spokesman on international development. She retired from the House of Lords 2 years ago.
She died after a prolonged period of illness, and she is survived by her husband Neil, by her children Stephen Kinnock MP and Rachel, and by 5 grandchildren. UKMA’s thoughts are very much with the family.
See also:
Lady Kinnock of Holyhead obituary
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