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

Former Labour MP and minister Phil Woolas has died of brain cancer, his family and close friends announced on Saturday morning.

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