Former Labour Party leader and Islwyn MP Neil Kinnock is to miss Baroness Thatcher’s funeral next week.
Lord Kinnock will instead be attending the funeral of former Islwyn councillor Olga Griffiths, who passed away at her Newbridge home on March 29 aged 86.
A spokeswoman for Lord Kinnock said he had promised to go to Mrs Griffiths’ funeral before Baroness Thatcher died.
Ms Griffiths was a councillor for Newbridge on Islwyn Borough Council in the 1980s and 1990s.
Lord Kinnock paid tribute to the former councillor and told the South Wales Argus: “She was an extraordinary woman of intelligence, courage, humour and endless generosity, who gave outstanding service to the community.”
As Labour leader, Lord Kinnock led the party against Margaret Thatcher’s government in the 1987 and 1992 general election – losing both times.
In a statement on the former Prime Minister’s death, Lord Kinnock said: “I recognise and admire the great distinction of Baroness Thatcher as the first woman to become leader of a major UK political party and prime minister. I am sorry to hear of her death and offer my sympathy to her family.”
Deputy mayor of Caerphilly council Michael Gray said she was his mentor, having known her since her days at the Post Office telephone factory in Cwmcarn where she was active in the trade union movement.
Mrs Griffiths’ funeral will take place at 2pm on Wednesday at Tabernacle Baptist Church, Newbridge. She will later be interred at Abercarn Cemetery at 3pm.
Family flowers are requested only, and donations can be given to the church.
Olga Griffiths worked very hard for the labour party and the people of newbridge especially when she was a councillor.
She was a much loved wife, a good mother to the late Pam, grandmother and great grandmother. Also, a very good friend to many.
My condolences go to her grand daughter suzanne and great grand children Marcus, bibi and greg.”