Former Labour Minister Phil Woolas Passes Away at 66 Following Brain Cancer Diagnosis
The former Labour MP and minister Phil Woolas has died at the age of 66 after a prolonged struggle with brain cancer, as confirmed by his family and close friends in a statement released on Saturday. Woolas, who represented the constituency of Oldham East and Saddleworth, was a prominent figure in New Labour's 13-year tenure in power from 1997 to 2010.
A Political Career Spanning Decades
Elected to parliament in Labour's landslide victory in 1997, Woolas remained a steadfast presence in Westminster throughout the party's entire period in government. During his time in office, he held several significant ministerial positions, including minister of state for local government, the environment, and borders and immigration. These roles were held sequentially, showcasing his versatility and commitment to public service until Labour's defeat in 2010.
Early Life and Pre-Political Work
Woolas joined the Labour party at the young age of 16 and was an active member of the Anti-Nazi League during his youth. He later served as president of the National Union of Students from 1984 to 1986, a role that has been a stepping stone for many future politicians, such as the current Labour health secretary, Wes Streeting. Before entering politics, Woolas worked in television journalism, including as a producer for BBC Newsnight and Channel 4 News, and he also headed communications at the trade union GMB.
Post-Political Endeavours and Controversies
After leaving politics, Woolas established his own political lobbying firm and dedicated over 25 years to chairing the Ace Centre, an Oldham-based charity that provides assistive technology for disabled individuals with communication difficulties. However, his final ministerial role was not without controversy. He faced criticism for proposing restrictive settlement conditions for Gurkhas, Nepalese soldiers who served in the British army, requiring 20 years of service. This policy was later overturned following a high-profile campaign led by figures like actress Joanna Lumley, leading to new rules allowing Gurkhas with four or more years of service to settle in the UK.
Electoral Challenges and Legacy
Although Woolas retained his seat in the 2010 general election, he lost it months later when a court ruled that he had made false statements against a Liberal Democrat opponent during the campaign. Labour managed to hold the seat in the subsequent by-election. In their statement, his family and friends highlighted his dedication to charity work and his role in expanding the Ace Centre into a national leader in assistive technology. He is survived by his wife, Tracey, his sons, Josh and Jed, and a new grandson, along with many friends and former colleagues who will deeply miss him.
