Kate Garraway has announced the death of her husband, Derek Draper, at the age of 56. The former political adviser and author had been battling severe complications from Covid-19 since contracting the virus in March 2020.
In a statement on Instagram, Garraway wrote: 'I'm sad to have to tell you all that my darling husband Derek has passed away.' She explained that Draper had suffered a cardiac arrest in early December, which, combined with damage from Covid, led to further complications. He died surrounded by family, with Garraway by his side.
Draper was put into a coma in April 2020 and did not wake until October. Despite being Covid-free by June, his body had sustained significant damage. He returned home in April 2021 but required round-the-clock care. His condition worsened, leading to hospital readmission in July 2022 and again in December 2023.
Tributes poured in from political figures, including former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair, who called Draper a 'good colleague and great friend'. Gordon Brown described him as 'brilliant, creative and multitalented'. Draper was a key figure in New Labour and founded the LabourList website.
Garraway has taken indefinite leave from her TV and radio work. The couple married in 2005 and had two children. Draper's battle with Covid was documented in the ITV programme 'Finding Derek', which won a National Television Award.
