Phil Woolas, former Labour minister, dies of brain cancer aged 66

Former Oldham East and Saddleworth MP remained in Westminster for New Labour’s entire 13 years in power

The former Labour MP minister Phil Woolas has died of brain cancer, his family and close friends have announced.

Woolas, 66, was elected to parliament to represent Oldham East and Saddleworth as part of Labour’s landslide victory in the 1997 general election. He remained in Westminster for New Labour’s entire 13-year stretch in power.