The critical point in their lives came in 1992 when it looked as if the Labour party might win the national elections - making Neil Kinnock Prime Minister. In the end, the Conservative party was again victorious, and the Kinnocks had to face disappointment.

The children had now grown up and left home and Glenys realised that the moment had come. Neil helped her to campaign for the European seat and Glenys went on to win it with a massive majority. At the age of 50 and shortly to become a grandmother, she had a seat in the European Parliament.

"I had never ever really wanted to stand for elected office, but after we lost the general election we knew our lives had to take a new direction - I suddenly thoughtÉ I might throw my hat in the ring for the South Wales East European constituency and from then on that was the decision I made, I never looked back and I'm glad I didn't."