Kinnock was born in March 1942, the son of Gordon Kinnock, labourer, and Mary Kinnock (née Howells), nurse. He was educated at University College, Cardiff, 1963-7, and married Glenys Elizabeth Parry in 1967.

Kinnock was a Tutor Organiser in Industrial and Trade Union Studies, Workers' Educational Association, 1966-70; Member, Welsh Hospital Board, 1969-71. He served as Labour MP for Bedwellty, 1970-83, (later) Islwyn, 1983-95. He was appointed Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Secretary of State for Employment, 1974-75, and Chief Opposition spokesman on Education, 1979-83.

He was Leader of the [Opposition] Labour Party, 1983-92, and fought two unsuccessful general election campaigns in 1987 and 1992 as Party Leader.

He was also a member of the Labour Party's National Executive Committee, 1978-94 (Chairman, 1987-88) and the Parliamentary Committee of the Parliamentary Labour Party, 1979-92. Subsequently he was Chairman of the International Committee, Labour Party, 1993-94, and a European Commissioner from 1995 and a Vice President of the European Commission from 1999.

He published "Making Our Way", 1986, and "Thorns and Roses", 1992.