PersonGB

Neil Kinnock

Labour leader from 1983 to 1992, now a Labour peer as Lord Kinnock.

Since leaving the Labour leadership in 1992, Neil Kinnock has remained in public life as a Labour peer and former European Commissioner.

Last refreshed: 22 October 2026

Timeline for Neil Kinnock

#19 22 Oct

UK Local Elections 2026

Neil Kinnock sat in the Commons from 1970 to 1995, first for Bedwellty and then Islwyn. He led the Labour Party and the official opposition from 1983 to 1992. His Labour roles also included party chair and membership of the National Executive Committee.

After leaving the Commons, Kinnock served as a European Commissioner from 1995 to 2004 and as a Commission vice-president from 1999. He was president of Cardiff University from 1998 to 2011, chaired the British Council from 2004 to 2009, and entered The House of Lords on 28 January 2005. Parliament records his Labour affiliation as continuous from June 1970.

Common Questions

What voting changes did Neil Kinnock propose?

He was among Labour peers proposing compulsory voting and a 'None of the above' option.Source: Lowdown

When did Neil Kinnock lead Labour?

He led the Labour Party from 1983 to 1992.Source: https://members.parliament.uk/member/693/career

Who is Neil Kinnock?

He is a Labour peer and former Labour Party leader.Source: https://members.parliament.uk/member/693/career

Source Material

Written with AI from Lowdown's published reporting. Not individually reviewed by an editor. Updated 22 October 2026. Editorial standards.