News · 14 March 2026
Phil Woolas, 66, Dies After Brain Cancer Battle
University of Salford Press Office via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
The political community is saddened by the passing of Phil Woolas, an ex-Labour government minister and a much-respected associate. He passed away aged 66 on Saturday, having battled glioblastoma brain cancer for over a year. Between 1997 and 2010, Woolas served as the Member of Parliament representing the constituency of Oldham East and Saddleworth, while also holding a ministerial post throughout the administrations led by Prime Minister Tony Blair and his successor, Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
Reported by BBC · How we write briefs