Former Labour MP and minister Phil Woolas dies aged 66
He represented Oldham East and Saddleworth in Greater Manchester for 13 years
Last updated 13 minutes ago
Former Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Phil Woolas, who served in both the governments of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, has died at the age of 66.
His family and close friends have confirmed he passed away from brain cancer this morning (Saturday 14th March 2026).
In a statement, they said: “Phil Woolas, former Labour MP and minister, has died aged 66.
“For more than a year he battled the brain cancer, glioblastoma. 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.
“Before entering Parliament, Phil was NUS president, TV producer and GMB union communications director.
“He served as MP for Oldham East & Saddleworth from 1997 to 2010, and a minister in both Tony Blair and Gordon Brown’s governments – appointed successively: whip, deputy leader of the Commons, local government minister, environment minister and immigration minister.
“From 2011 onwards, Phil set up and ran his own political and risk consultancy.
“For more than 25 years, Phil was the chair of The Ace Centre, an Oldham charity helping people with communication difficulties, that he led to become a national charity leader in assistive technology for severely disabled people.”
Former prime minister Sir Tony Blair said: “Phil was an outstanding member of the New Labour government, a greatly respected and admired colleague, and a source of both humour and rich political insight to all lucky enough to know him.
“I remember and deeply appreciate his support to me over the years, through the good times and the bad.
“My deepest condolences to the wonderful Tracey and to their sons, Josh and Jed, and all their wider family.”
Former prime minister Gordon Brown said: “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.
“My thoughts are with his devoted wife Tracey and the whole family.”