Sir Keir Starmer, Sir Tony Blair, and Gordon Brown led the mourners at the funeral of former minister Phil Woolas. Woolas, who passed away from glioblastoma at the age of 66, was honored with a red shirt from his favorite team, Manchester United, draped over his coffin as it was brought into St Margaret’s church in Westminster. Colleagues gathered to bid farewell to the former MP for Oldham and East Saddleworth.
During the service, Woolas’ sons, Josh and Jed, delivered emotional speeches that moved the congregation to tears, laughter, and spontaneous applause. Former Prime Minister Blair remembered Woolas as steadfast, courageous, and full of humor, recounting a memorable moment they shared in his office.
Woolas, known for his composure during a televised confrontation with Joanna Lumley over Gurkhas veterans, later befriended her. Former PM Brown shared Lumley’s kind words about Woolas and delivered a witty tribute, describing him as “absolutely fabulous.”
Reflecting on Woolas’ legacy, Defense Secretary John Healey praised his dedication to the Labour Party since his youth, highlighting his role as a principled politician, mentor, and lifelong Labour supporter. Lord Mann emphasized Woolas’ humility, listening skills, and exceptional memory, thanking him for his friendship.
Steve Morgan, a close friend of Woolas for nearly five decades, noted the significant turnout at the funeral as a testament to the high esteem in which Woolas was held. Describing him as a true Labour legend, Morgan expressed that Woolas would be deeply missed by his loved ones, friends, and colleagues.
