The political world is mourning the loss of Phil Woolas, a former Labour minister who has died at the age of 66 following a courageous fight against brain cancer. His passing on Saturday has prompted heartfelt tributes from former Prime Ministers Sir Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, who both praised his dedication and character.
A Distinguished Political Career
Phil Woolas served as the Member of Parliament for Oldham East and Saddleworth from 1997 to 2010, first elected in the historic Blair landslide. During his tenure, he held several ministerial roles under both the Blair and Brown governments, including positions as a whip, deputy leader of the Commons, local government minister, environment minister, and notably, immigration minister.
Tributes from Political Leaders
Sir Tony Blair described Woolas as a 'greatly respected and admired colleague,' highlighting his significant contributions to Labour politics. Gordon Brown offered a more personal reflection, stating: 'Phil Woolas was a brilliant MP, a highly-effective minister and a very generous and popular friend who fought a brave struggle against an incurable cancer and will be sorely missed.'
Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle also paid tribute last night, sending condolences to Woolas's family, underscoring the widespread respect he commanded across party lines.
The Infamous Television Confrontation
One of the most memorable moments of Woolas's career occurred in 2009 during his time as Immigration Minister. He was confronted live on television by national treasure Joanna Lumley over the Brown government's controversial plans to restrict the settlement rights of retired Gurkhas in the UK.
Lumley, who was spearheading the Gurkhas Justice Campaign, challenged Woolas directly on air. However, in a surprising turn, she later expressed reassurance, declaring: 'I have met Mr Woolas now and I am reassured again - because I know we are going to assist Mr Woolas in making the strongest guidelines possible.' This incident highlighted both the pressures of his role and his willingness to engage with critics.
Controversial Election and Later Life
After winning his seat again in the 2010 general election, Woolas faced an extraordinary legal battle. A rarely-convened election court ruled that he had lied about his Liberal Democrat opponent, declaring his victory void. Woolas admitted that one of his election leaflets had 'sailed very close to the wind' but maintained that he did not believe he had misled anyone.
Following his political career, Woolas set up and ran his own political and risk consultancy in 2011. Beyond politics, he was deeply committed to charitable work, serving as chair of the Oldham charity The Ace Centre for over 25 years, which assists people with communication difficulties.
Personal Life and Legacy
A statement from his family and close friends confirmed his death, noting that he had 'battled the brain cancer, glioblastoma' for more than a year. He leaves behind his wife Tracey, his sons Josh and Jed, a new grandson, and many friends and former colleagues.
Before entering Parliament, Woolas had a diverse background as NUS president, TV producer, and GMB union communications director. His multifaceted career and enduring community involvement paint a picture of a dedicated public servant whose impact extended far beyond the halls of Westminster.
