Kate Garraway's late husband Derek Draper's career from early politics to the LabourList

Kate Garraway's husband Derek Draper has died at the age of 56. While his wife is the star of Good Morning Britain and the showbiz world, Draper made his own mark in the world with his career. We take a look back at his career from politics to writing books and the LabourList, as well as when he retrained to become a psychotherapist.

Draper died following his long battle with Covid. Having contracted coronavirus back in March 2020, the dad of two never properly regained his speech and needed 24/7 care. His loving wife broke the news on Instagram on Friday.

She wrote on social media: "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."

Draper's early career in politics

After studying at the University of Manchester, Lancashire-born Draper's interest in politics saw him become Labour Party member Nick Brown's constituency secretary in 1990. He stayed two years in the job before moving over to MP Peter Mandelson's research team in Hartlepool.

Draper remained there for four years until stepping up as the director of lobbying firm GPC Market Access in 1996. While working here, he was reportedly caught on tape by The Observer's undercover reporter Greg Palast boasting of how himself and Jonathan Mendelsohn could sell access to government ministers and create tax breaks for their clients. This was subsequently dubbed 'Lobbygate' by the press. He denied any wrongdoing at the time and resigned from his lobbyist job.

Draper also worked as Modern Review's political editor; a Daily Express columnist, and Talk Radio UK presenter.

The world of psychotherapy

In something of a left-field swing, Draper then decided to retrain as a psychotherapist at the Wright Institute, California - obtaining an MA in clinical psychology. He was granted membership in the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, and wrote regular columns on the subject for The Mail on Sunday, plus magazine titles Psychologies and Therapy Today.

A three-time author

In between these two drastically different areas of profession, Draper also authored the 1998 book Blair's 100 Days, and Life Support: A Survival Guide for the Modern Soul over a decade later. In 2006, he contributed a chapter to The Future of the NHS, too.

LabourList

It has been 15 years since Draper launched a news website dedicated to independently supporting the Labour Party. Known as LabourList, he set it up as a direct response to the increasing influence of the internet, wanting MP's to enjoy their own space in the blog world. Contributors included David Lammy, Peter Mandelson, James Purnell and Piers Morgan. As of 2023, the site is still active.

Former Labour Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair led the outpouring of tributes for his friend Draper. He said: "I am so sad to hear the news about Derek. My heart goes out to Kate and their children William and Darcey. It is extraordinary and remarkable that Derek survived so long after the ravages of Covid.

"And that was in large measure due to the love Derek had for his family and they for him. This also says something very special about Derek. 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. He was an important part of the New Labour story, at the centre of things right at the beginning. But most important of all, he was a good colleague and great friend. And we will miss him deeply."

Gordon Brown had high praise for Draper as he too remembered the former political lobbyist as "brilliant, creative and multitalented". The former prime minister, who followed Blair, said his thoughts were with Draper's family as he shared his tribute on social media platform X. He wrote: "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."

Alastair Campbell also shared his admiration for Draper who he praised for being a "huge character" and he celebrated him for being a "giver" in life. Also, he had great praise for Kate Garraway for her "profound love" of her husband. He wrote: "Very sad to hear the news about Derek Draper. He was a huge character, a giver not a taker, and had so much more to give before Covid took its toll. Sad above all for @kategarraway and the children. Their love and support was profound and unshakeable to the end. RIP."

Read more:

• Kate Garraway 'can't believe it' as book about husband's Covid fight becomes bestseller

• Kate Garraway reveals 'fantastic moments' where she communicates with husband Derek Draper

• Kate Garraway admits 'we never feel Derek is safe' in emotional update

Watch: Former political adviser Derek Draper has died aged 56