In a solemn announcement, the family of Glenys Kinnock revealed that the former Labour minister, ex-MEP, and spouse of former Labour leader Lord Neil Kinnock, has peacefully passed away at the age of 79. Her family, including Labour MP Stephen Kinnock and daughter Rachel, expressed their profound grief, highlighting Glenys’s indomitable spirit, particularly in the face of her brave battle with Alzheimer’s disease since her diagnosis in 2017.
Glenys Kinnock’s political legacy stands as a testament to her enduring commitment to social justice, a commitment that earned her a baroness title in 2009 under Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s government, allowing her to serve as a Foreign Office minister. The Kinnock family’s statement described her as a “proud democratic socialist” who tirelessly campaigned for justice and against poverty both in the United Kingdom and on the global stage.
The couple, Neil and Glenys Kinnock, celebrated 56 years of marriage, a partnership that spanned the corridors of power and bore witness to significant political milestones. Stephen Kinnock, Labour MP for Aberavon, paid tribute to his mother in a heartfelt social media post, describing her as “a truly formidable person in every single way, and with such a cheeky sense of humour.”
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer acknowledged Glenys Kinnock as a “true fighter” for the party, recognizing her unwavering support for Neil Kinnock during his leadership and her subsequent impressive political career. Former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair, in a poignant statement, expressed that her death would be mourned globally, emphasizing her role as a “huge figure in progressive politics for decades.”
Glenys Kinnock’s contribution extended beyond national boundaries. As an MEP representing Wales from 1994 to 2009, she embraced her political voice and became a respected figure in European politics. Her journey was not without challenges, notably the media’s portrayal of her during Neil Kinnock’s leadership, an experience she described as “painful” and “difficult to take.”
In her later years, Glenys faced Alzheimer’s with the same fortitude that defined her political career. The Kinnock family’s openness about her struggles with the disease has contributed to raising awareness about Alzheimer’s, garnering appreciation from organizations like Dementia UK.
As we bid farewell to Glenys Kinnock, her legacy lives on in the annals of British and European politics. Her relentless pursuit of justice, her impactful political career, and her resilience in the face of adversity mark her as a trailblazer who left an indelible mark on the political landscape.