Phil Woolas, a former Labour minister and MP, passed away at the age of 66, a fact confirmed by his family and friends following his long struggle with glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer, over the previous year. Woolas served as Member of Parliament for Oldham East and Saddleworth from 1997 until 2010 and held various ministerial roles under both Tony Blair and Gordon Brown's governments. His political career included positions such as whip, deputy leader of the Commons, local government minister, environment minister, and immigration minister. He was known for his outspoken style and controversies during his time in office. He garnered attention in 2009 during a televised debate with actress Joanna Lumley, who challenged his government’s proposals to limit the rights of retired Gurkhas in the UK. His remarks and behaviour during the campaign were scrutinized, leading to a court ruling that found him guilty of election misconduct in 2010, which significantly impacted his political trajectory. After leaving Parliament, Woolas founded a consultancy and continued to engage in political affairs. Survived by his wife Tracey, their sons, and a recent grandson, Woolas’s death marks the end of a long-standing commitment to the Labour Party, reflecting both a life in public service and personal struggle.