Former Labour MP and Minister Passes Away
Phil Woolas, a former Labour MP and minister, has died at the age of 66 after battling brain cancer for several years, his family announced. Woolas served as the Member of Parliament for Oldham East and Saddleworth from 1997 until 2010, participating in both the Tony Blair and Gordon Brown administrations.
During his political career, Woolas held various ministerial positions, including roles related to local government, the environment, and immigration.
Family Statement and Personal Background
His family and close friends released a statement regarding his illness and passing:
"For more than a year he battled the brain cancer, glioblastoma. He leaves his wife Tracey, his sons Josh and Jed and a new grandson, and many friends and former colleagues who will all miss him greatly."
Before his tenure in Parliament, Woolas was the president of the National Union of Students (NUS), worked as a television producer, and served as the communications director for the GMB union.
Notable Moments and Controversies
One significant moment in Woolas's career occurred during his time at the Home Office when he was confronted live by actress Joanna Lumley. She challenged him to make concessions regarding the rights of Gurkhas to remain in the United Kingdom.
In 2010, Woolas faced a political ban lasting three years after a court determined that he had made false statements during his campaign for the Oldham East and Saddleworth seat. Although he initially won the seat by a margin of 103 votes, the election result was subsequently declared void by an election court.
Additional Information
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