Labour’s former minister and MP, Phil Woolas, has passed away at 66, as confirmed by his family and close associates. Woolas, who served under both Tony Blair and Gordon Brown’s governments, represented Oldham East and Saddleworth from 1997 to 2010. His family and friends revealed that he had been battling glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer.
The announcement stated, “Phil Woolas, former Labour MP and minister, has passed away at 66 after a year-long battle with glioblastoma. He is survived by his wife Tracey, sons Josh and Jed, a grandson, and many friends and former colleagues who will dearly miss him.”
Before his parliamentary career, Woolas was the NUS president, a TV producer, and GMB union communications director. His tenure as an MP included roles as a whip, deputy leader of the Commons, local government minister, environment minister, and immigration minister under Blair and Brown’s governments.
A significant moment in Woolas’s career occurred when he faced pressure from actress Joanna Lumley during a live press conference regarding the rights of Gurkhas in the UK.
Following his time in office, Woolas established his own political consultancy and was actively involved with The Ace Centre, a charity in Oldham supporting individuals with communication challenges. Additionally, he was recognized for his contributions to assistive technology for disabled individuals.
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair praised Woolas as a valued colleague and a source of political wisdom and humor. Blair extended his condolences to Woolas’s family, highlighting his support over the years.
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