Former Labour leader Lord Kinnock’s son is hoping to follow in his father’s footsteps by becoming an MP.
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 who was in the news last week for appearing in a ‘selfie’ with President Obama and David Cameron 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 also backing his plan to launch a career in politics.
He told BBC Wales: “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.
He is currently employed by the business advisory company Xynteo, having previously worked for the British Council and the World Economic Forum.
While Aberavon Labour MP Dr Francis has announced his intention to step down in 2015, the official process to choose his successor is yet to begin.