Glenys Kinnock: Globetrotting campaigner

Glenys Kinnock, a prominent politician in her own right

Glenys Kinnock is one of Britain's most high-profile members of the European Parliament.

Although she was only elected as the Labour MEP for South East Wales in 1994, she has been a prominent public figure ever since her husband Neil became leader of the Labour Party in 1983. He is currently vice president of the European Commission.

A former teacher, Mrs Kinnock was brought up in a staunch Labour family on Anglesey. Educated at Holyhead Comprehensive School, she went on to study at Cardiff University, where she met her husband.

With husband Neil after her Euro election win

The mother of two grown-up children, with a lifetime of political campaigning behind her, Mrs Kinnock was never afraid to speak her mind during her husband's period in charge of the Labour Party.

She only really emerged from his shadow, however, when she chose to pursue her own political career in Strasbourg.

Since her election, Mrs Kinnock has taken an increasing interest in less developed parts of the world.

In 1998 she led a team of 80 observers from the European Union who monitored elections in Cambodia.

Earlier this year, she was highly critical of the international community's response to the floods in Mozambique.

She has also been President of One World Action and Vice-President of the United Nations Association.

However, she remains best known as one half of what is perhaps Britain's most formidable political marriage.

Two years ago their partnership was captured on canvas when she and Neil agreed to pose for a portrait for the National Portrait Gallery.

But as leading left-wing politicians, the Kinnocks have also found themselves criticised for the joint income they earn from their respective jobs in Europe.