Stars and politicians attend funeral of Derek Draper, former political adviser and psychotherapist

Former political adviser and psychotherapist Derek Draper was laid to rest yesterday, as stars and politicians gathered to pay their respects. The funeral was attended by Draper’s wife, TV presenter Kate Garraway, along with close friends and family, including Sir Elton John and Sir Tony Blair.

Draper, who had been living with severe complications from Covid since contracting the disease in March 2020, passed away in January after suffering a cardiac arrest. His wife, Garraway, described him as her ‘darling husband’ in a heartfelt tribute.

Among the notable guests at the private service were politicians and TV personalities. Piers Morgan, Ben Shephard, Richard Madeley, and Susanna Reid from Good Morning Britain paid their respects. Broadcaster Myleene Klass and musician Richard Madeley were also present to bid farewell to their friend.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and former Labour spin doctor Alastair Campbell were seen arriving at the church, along with former Labour MPs Lord Peter Mandelson, Tristram Hunt, Ed Balls, and Ed Miliband. Draper, originally from Chorley in Lancashire, had been a prominent figure in the Labour Party before leaving politics.

Draper’s career took a turn as he retrained as a psychotherapist and established himself as an author and columnist. He founded the LabourList website in 2009, a news platform independent of the Labour Party but supporting its agenda. His two books, ‘Blair’s 100 Days’ and ‘Life Support,’ gained recognition for their insights into the political landscape.

The funeral was a somber affair, with attendees paying tribute to Draper’s contributions and remembering him as a good colleague and friend. Friends and family gathered at the Church of St Mary The Virgin in Primrose Hill, North London, to say their final goodbyes to a remarkable man.