Phil Woolas, the former Member of Parliament, has passed away at the age of 66. His family confirmed that he died from brain cancer, specifically glioblastoma, after a year-long battle with the illness. Woolas died in the early hours of Saturday.
Political Career and Contributions
Woolas had a notable career as a Labour MP and served in the government during both Tony Blair and Gordon Brown’s administrations. He represented Oldham East and Saddleworth in Parliament from 1997 until 2010. During his tenure, he held several important positions, including:
- Whip
- Deputy Leader of the Commons
- Local Government Minister
- Environment Minister
- Immigration Minister
Significant Interactions
One remarkable moment in his political journey occurred when he faced actor Joanna Lumley during a live press conference. This confrontation addressed the rights of Gurkhas to remain in the UK, highlighting a pivotal moment in his time as a minister.
Life Beyond Politics
Before entering politics, Woolas had a diverse background. He served as the National Union of Students (NUS) president and worked as a television producer. Additionally, he was the communications director for the GMB union.
After his career in Parliament, Woolas established his own political and risk consultancy in 2011. He also dedicated over 25 years to chairing The Ace Centre, a charity based in Oldham that assists individuals with communication difficulties. Under his leadership, The Ace Centre became a prominent charity in assistive technology for severely disabled individuals.
Family and Legacy
Phil Woolas is survived by his wife Tracey, his sons Josh and Jed, as well as a grandchild. His friends and former colleagues remember him fondly and will miss his presence greatly.
