Derek Draper, the former political adviser and author, has died, aged 56.
His wife, TV presenter, Kate Garraway confirmed the news in a statement on her Instagram account:
“I’m sad to have to tell you all that my darling husband Derek has passed away. As some of you may know he has been critically ill following a cardiac arrest in early December which, because of the damage inflicted by Covid in March 2020, led to further complications.
“Derek was surrounded by his family in his final days and I was by his side holding his hand throughout the last long hours and when he passed. I have so much more to say, and of course I will do so in due course, but for now I just want to thank all the medical teams who fought so hard to save him and to make his final moments as comfortable and dignified as possible. Sending so much love and thanks to all of you who have so generously given our family so much support. Rest gently and peacefully now Derek, my love, I was so lucky to have you in my life.”
Former Prime Minister, Sir Tony Blair said:
“I am so sad to hear the news about Derek. My heart goes out to Kate and their children William and Darcey,.
“He was a tough sometimes ruthless political operative, a brilliant adviser and someone you always wanted on your side.
“But underneath that tough exterior he was a loving, kind, generous and good natured man you wanted as a friend.”
Tony Blair's tribute to Derek Draper: https://t.co/ftavhLRylf pic.twitter.com/zjp376nmPr
— Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (@InstituteGC) January 5, 2024
Sir Elton John, who invited him to his Farewell Yellow Brick Road Concert as a guest of honour, sent “love and thoughts” to Garraway.
56-year-old Draper was born in Chorley, Lancashire. A researcher for Peter Mandelson, he later became a director of the lobbying firm, GPC Market Access. He also founded New Labour organisation, Progress.
However, his career changed in 1998, when he became embroiled in the lobbygate, cash for access scandal. He always said he did nothing wrong, but had a “big mouth.” He moved to America and retrained as a psychotherapist.
He was the author of 2 books – Blair’s 100 Days and Life Support. He also founded the news website, LabourList.
He married Garraway in 2005 and the pair have 2 children.
Draper fell ill with Covid-19 in 2020 and was admitted to intensive care and placed in an induced coma for almost 6 months. It wasn’t until April 2021 that he was able to leave hospital, but even then had to receive round-the-clock care. He was left with long-lasting damage to his organs and returned to hospital in 2022.
In 2022, Garraway won an award for Finding Derek, a film which documented the family’s experience during the pandemic.
Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown described him as “multitalented.”
So sad that after such a brave struggle Derek Draper has lost his life as a result of Covid. I will remember him as brilliant, creative and multitalented, and our thoughts are with Kate, Darcey and Billy. RIP Derek
— Gordon Brown (@GordonBrown) January 5, 2024
Garraway is has cancelled all of her media work.
