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Tributes have been paid to former MEP and Labour minister Glenys Kinnock, who has died at the age of 79.

Baroness Kinnock represented Wales in the European Parliament for 15 years, before being appointed to the House of Lords.

In 2009, she was appointed as a minister for Europe under Gordon Brown’s Labour government.

Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead was the wife of former Labour leader Neil Kinnock, who represented the Islwyn constituency between 1983 and 1995.

Born in Northamptonshire and educated in Anglesey, she met her future husband while studying at Cardiff University, and the couple married in 1967.

Their son, Aberavon’s Labour MP Stephen Kinnock, led tributes to his mother and said: “Heartbroken that my Mum passed away peacefully in her sleep last night, after many years of Alzheimer’s.

“She was a beloved Mum and Nain who was adored by her family and friends. A truly formidable person in every single way, and with such a cheeky sense of humour. Rest in peace.”

Current Islwyn MP Chris Evans, who has represented the seat since 2010, described Baroness Kinnock’s passing as “desperately sad news”.

He said: “A humanitarian, socialist and campaigner for the South Wales valleys she represented so well as our MEP. My thoughts and prayers are with Neil, Rachel and Stephen Kinnock at this difficult time.”

Islwyn’s Labour Senedd Member, Rhianon Passmore, said: “As a woman I can testify how inspiring a person Glenys was. She was always ready with encouraging words and advice for me as a young female member of the Islwyn constituency. Thank you Glenys.”

Tributes were also paid by former Prime Ministers Gordon Brown and Tony Blair.

Mr Brown said: “Saddened today at the death of Glenys Kinnock after a long illness she bore with fortitude. All who met Glenys admired her for her warmth of personality and for her passionate support of the best of causes.”

He hailed her as a “highly effective and popular minister for Europe” and said she would be “remembered as a great ambassador for Britain.”

Mr Brown added: “Glenys and Neil formed a great partnership admired by all and our thoughts are with Neil, Stephen, Rachel and their families.”

Meanwhile, his predecessor Mr Blair said Baroness Kinnock “was a huge figure in progressive politics for decades” and described her as “incredibly smart, brave, determined, and resolute in standing up for what she believed was right”.

He continued: “She was an enormous support to Neil but she was a leader in her own right. And as a couple, they were a joy to be near, full of fun, the life and soul of any gathering.”

He offered “deepest condolences” to the Kinnock family and added: “Glenys will be mourned in many countries and corners of the earth.”

UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer called Baroness Kinnock a “passionate lifelong campaigner for social justice at home and abroad” – and said she was a “true fighter for the Labour Party and the values of the labour movement, a pioneering woman, to whom we owe an enormous debt.”

Meanwhile, First Minister Mark Drakeford said his thoughts were with the Kinnock family after their loss.

He said Baroness Kinnock “formed a formidable duo” with her husband and “was an absolute force in her own right”.