Blair and Brown join Starmer pay their respects to Labour 'legend' minister Phil Woolas

Blair and Brown join Starmer pay their respects to Labour 'legend' minister Phil WoolasEmotional tributes were paid at the funeral of Labour "legend" Phil Woolas as former Prime Ministers, including Gordon Brown, joined Sir Keir Starmer at St Margaret’s churchNewsAndy Lines19:24, 14 Apr 2026Updated 19:24, 14 Apr 2026View 5 Images(Image: Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)Sir Keir Starmer, Sir Tony Blair and Gordon Brown led mourners paying their respects at the funeral of former minister Phil Woolas.Woolas' coffin was brought into the church adorned with a red shirt from his beloved manchester-united-fc>Manchester United. Tributes were paid to the popular Woolas who died from glioblastoma on 14 March aged 66. Hundreds of former colleagues packed St Margaret’s church in Westminster to say their goodbyes to the former Oldham and East Saddleworth MP.‌There were tears and laughter and spontaneous applause after his two sons Josh and Jed spoke emotionally about their dad. Their mum Tracey watched in pride as the boys addressed the congregation. Blair said: “Phil Woolas was steadfast: he was courageous, he was an innovator and he was a motivator.‌READ MORE: Former Labour MP Phil Woolas dies aged 66 after battle with brain cancerView 5 Images(Image: Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)‌"You always knew where you stand with Phil. He was great fun and great company I remember once after a poor Prime Minister’s Question I was frazzled and we were in my office.“There was an array of whisky bottles and Phil said to me: ‘are you drinking them or are you signing them!"He added: "Phil was taken from us much too soon but what can't be taken from us is the spirit he left behind."View 5 ImagesFuneral of popular former Labour minister Phil Woolas(Image: Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)‌Woolas famously kept his cool when he was confronted on live TV by Joanna Lumley in a row over treatment of Gurkhas veterans. But they went on to become friends.Former PM Bro...