A look back at the life of Derek Draper, from his political career to his enduring love for Kate
Kate Garraway shared an emotional tribute to her husband, Derek Draper, after his death on January 5, nearly four years following his initial battle with Covid-19. Draper, once a well-known political lobbyist and a key figure within New Labour, passed away after a prolonged and devastating fight against the virus that left him critically ill and in a coma for over a year. In her post, Garraway described Derek as “the love of my life,” expressing gratitude for the support their family received during his long illness.
Draper’s journey to prominence began as a Labour Party lobbyist, with significant roles in various political circles. He worked closely with prominent figures such as Tony Blair and Peter Mandelson, playing an integral part in the early days of New Labour. However, his career was marred by scandal. The “Lobbygate” affair, in which Draper was recorded boasting about selling access to ministers, led to his fall from grace in politics.
After stepping away from the political world, Draper retrained as a psychotherapist, seeking to rebuild his life and career. He later returned to the political scene as head of the website LabourList, but was forced to resign following another controversy in 2009.
Despite these setbacks, Draper’s personal life flourished. He married television presenter Kate Garraway in 2005, with the couple having two children, Darcey and William. Their relationship, full of affection and mutual respect, was well-documented, with Garraway often speaking of the deep bond they shared. Derek’s battle with Covid in 2020 and the subsequent impact on their family life was also captured in Garraway’s ITV documentary Finding Derek, which won a National Television Award.
Draper’s long fight with Covid was marked by his resilience and the love of his family. Although his condition left him unable to speak or fully recover, his family remained by his side throughout. His death has prompted tributes from across the political spectrum, with figures such as Tony Blair, Alastair Campbell, and Gordon Brown remembering him as both a brilliant political mind and a loving, generous man.
His tragic passing brings an end to the extraordinary and often turbulent life of Derek Draper, a man whose legacy will be remembered by many.
