Phil Woolas: A Life in Politics and Beyond

0:00On March 14th, former Labour MP Phil Woolis has passed away at age 66 after battling brain cancer for more than a year. He represented Oldham East and Saddleworth in Parliament, starting with Labour's big win in 1997 and stayed through their full, 13 years in power. In government, he served in key ministerial posts, handling local government, the environment and later borders in immigration. General politics Woolis joined Labour at 16, fought against Nazis in his youth and led the National Union of Students from 1984 to 1986. His career also included producing for BBC News Night and Channel 4 News, plus heading communications for the GMB Union. After leaving office, he launched a political consultancy and chaired the ACE Center charity in Oldham for over 25 years, helping people with communication challenges through assistive tech. Woolis-based backlash over strict rules for gerk of veterans settling in the UK, which campaigners like Joanna Lumley helped overturn, easing.

1:02Requirements from 20 years to just four. He lost his seat in a special election after a court found false claims against his opponent. He leased behind his wife Tracy, sons Josh Anjed, a new grandson, and many friends who remember his long fight and dedication to causes close to.