Neil Kinnock

Neil Kinnock (2007)

Neil Gordon Kinnock, Baron Kinnock [ niːl ˈkɪnək ] (born March 28, 1942 in Tredegar , South Wales ) is a former chairman of the Labor Party and vice-president of the EU Commission . From 2004 to 2010 he was Chairman of the British Council .

Political career in the United Kingdom

After graduating from Cardiff University with a degree in history and postgraduate studies in education , Neil Kinnock became a Labor MP in the British House of Commons in 1970 . There he was chairman of several committees. In 1980 he became a member of the Labor shadow cabinet , in 1983 chairman of the Labor party and group leader in the lower house (until 1992). In the British general election in 1987, Kinnock was defeated as the top candidate of his party Margaret Thatcher , in 1992 John Major (both Conservatives ). The British tabloid The Sun had the headline in one of its headlines in 1992: If Kinnock wins today will the last person to leave Britain please turn out the lights (German: " If Kinnock wins today, the last person to leave Britain should turn off the lights " ).

In 2005 he was promoted to Life Peer as Baron Kinnock , of Bedwellty in the County of Gwent, and moved into the House of Lords .

Offices in the European Union

In 1995 Kinnock became European Commissioner for Transport , from 1999 to 2004 he was Vice-President of the Prodi Commission and responsible for personnel and administration .

Neil Kinnock was vice chairman of the Socialist International .

Private

He is married to Glenys Kinnock , who was also raised to Life Peeress as Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead in 2009 . He has two children with her. His son Stephen is married to the former Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt .

literature

• 1984: Robert Harris : The making of Neil Kinnock .

Web links

• CV (archive)
• Kinnock reforms [1]