The former Labour minister Phil Woolas, who served in the governments of both Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, has died at the age of 66. Woolas had been battling brain cancer, specifically glioblastoma, for over a year.
During his political career, Woolas held several ministerial roles, including positions related to local government, environment, and immigration. He represented the constituency of Oldham East and Saddleworth as a Member of Parliament (MP) from 1997 to 2010.
Paying tribute, former prime minister Sir Tony Blair described Woolas as an “outstanding” member of the New Labour government. Blair noted that Woolas was a “greatly respected and admired colleague, and a source of both humour and rich political insight to all lucky enough to know him.” He added, “I remember and deeply appreciate his support to me over the years, through the good times and the bad.”
Gordon Brown, who succeeded Blair as prime minister, also paid tribute, calling Woolas a “brilliant MP, a highly-effective minister and a very generous and popular friend.” Brown stated that the former minister “fought a brave struggle against an incurable cancer and will be sorely missed.”
Before entering Parliament, Woolas, who was born in Scunthorpe, served as the president of the National Union of Students. He also worked as a TV producer and held the position of GMB union communications director.
In a notable moment at the Home Office, Woolas was confronted during a live news conference by actor Joanna Lumley. The confrontation was regarding concessions for the rights of Gurkhas to remain in the UK.
Woolas’s parliamentary career ended after a legal challenge concerning his election victory. An election court ruled that he had made false statements about his Liberal Democrat opponent. Woolas later admitted that one of his election leaflets had “sailed very close to the wind” but maintained he did not believe he misled anyone.
The election result was declared void by the court, and Woolas was subsequently banned from politics for three years in 2010. He had initially won the seat by a narrow margin of 103 votes.
His family and close friends released a statement noting his year-long battle with glioblastoma. They stated, “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.”
Fonte: BBC News
