Former Labour minister Phil Woolas dies aged 66
Former Labour minister Phil Woolas dies aged 66
Phil Woolas, a former Labour minister remembered for a fiery debate with Joanna Lumley on live television, has died at the age of 66 after a battle with brain cancer.
He served as a Member of Parliament for Oldham East and Saddleworth from 1997 to 2010, holding key roles in the Home Office and other government departments during the tenure of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.
However, his political journey culminated in a scandal when a court found him guilty of violating electoral rules by knowingly fabricating claims against his Liberal Democrat rival.
TV clash over Gurkha rights
The controversy erupted in 2009 when Woolas, then as immigration minister, faced off against Ms Lumley in a televised confrontation. The debate centered on a proposal by Brown’s administration to limit the residency rights of retired Gurkhas in the UK.
Ms Lumley, leading the Gurkhas Justice Campaign, was determined to challenge Woolas’s policies. With cross-party opposition, the government faced a major defeat in the Commons. The ensuing discussion later evolved into a joint press event, which quickly turned chaotic.
“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.”
During the broadcast, Lumley appeared to convince Woolas to endorse revised guidelines for Gurkha settlement. The exchange highlighted the intensity of the debate and the personal stakes involved.
A career in politics and activism
Woolas’s political career began with a youthful entrance into the Labour Party at 16. He later served as president of the National Union of Students from 1984 to 1986, setting the stage for a career marked by both influence and controversy.
After a brief stint as a TV producer, he transitioned to union work, becoming head of communications for the GMB. His most notable campaign involved a live protest at British Gas’s AGM in 1996, where a pig named Cedric was brought to symbolize “snouts in the trough” over a 75% pay increase for the company’s CEO.
In 2010, Woolas narrowly retained his seat by just 103 votes. His opponent, Elwyn Watkins, later filed an election petition, leading to a historic court ruling that invalidated his victory. The judge ordered a re-election, marking a dramatic end to his parliamentary career.
Legacy and tributes
Sir Tony Blair reflected on Woolas’s contributions, calling him “an outstanding member of the New Labour government” and praising his “humour and rich political insight.” He expressed condolences to Woolas’s family, noting his longstanding loyalty to the Labour Party.
Defence Secretary John Healey, a close friend, highlighted Woolas’s role in reshaping Labour during the 1980s and 1990s. He emphasized Woolas’s ability to bridge political divides while remaining a steadfast Labour supporter.
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