Like father like son in Kinnock political bid

FORMER Labour leader Lord Kinnock’s son is hoping to follow in his father’s footsteps by becoming an MP.

Danish prime minister Helle Thoring-Schmidt is supportive of her husbands plans. Picture: Getty

Stephen Kinnock has expressed his interest in becoming Labour’s candidate for the Aberavon constituency in Port Talbot, south Wales, at the 2015 general election.

The area’s current MP Hywel Francis has announced he will retire by the time voters go to the ballot box.

Mr Kinnock, who is married to the Danish prime minister Helle Thoring-Schmidt, said politics was in his blood.

He said: “My mum and dad are really pleased I have decided to stand. They have been very supportive. They haven’t really given me any specific advice about the selection, apart from just encouraging me to be myself.”

Mr Kinnock, 43, said his wife was backing his plan.

He said: “After leaving university in 1992, I lived and worked in Brussels, Russia, Africa and Switzerland. I moved back to the UK in July 2012, and have been based in London since then.

“Helle and I have been living like this for many years and we’ve always found a way to make it work.

“We’ve obviously discussed my plans, and she is very supportive.”

Mr Kinnock said he has already spent time in the Aberavon constituency to canvas people’s views on a range of issues..