Kinnock, Neil G.

views updated May 11 2018

Kinnock, Neil G. (b. 1943). Formerly leader of the Labour Party (1983–92), European commissioner from 1995. Having lost two general elections in a row to the Conservatives (1987, 1992), Kinnock disarmingly confessed to being a failure. His left-wing views (particularly support for the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament) alienated many voters, while his rhetorical style was considered verbose even by many of his own supporters. His opponents labelled him ‘the Welsh windbag’. His poor record at university, his lack of much professional experience before entering Parliament, and his lack of experience in government were all factors which handicapped him. Though he demonstrated courage in facing up to left-wing extremists in his party, dropped unpopular policies, and began the process of modernizing Labour, the impression remained that he lacked the gravitas required of a prime minister.

Andrew Sanders