Derek Draper obituary

Back in 1992, Peter Mandelson considered hiring Derek Draper to work as a research assistant. In order to learn more about Draper, Mandelson contacted a Labour colleague for a reference. The colleague warned Mandelson that Draper had a tough, ruthless nature. Despite this discouraging description, Draper still managed to land the job. As a result, he was able to climb the political ladder and gain a unique perspective on the New Labour government that was led by Tony Blair.

Draper, who passed away at the age of 56 after struggling with Covid for a long time, was a well-known personality for slightly over 10 years in the backdrop of journalism and politics. He was often seen in Westminster's bars, dining halls in Pall Mall, and plush clubs in Soho. Despite having a successful career as an influential advisor and political lobbyist starting from 1996, his overconfidence caused his downfall, turning his life into a warning story.

Draper was a flamboyant individual with a confident demeanor and an idiosyncratic personality. He amassed a great deal of wealth, owned a classic Mercedes, and had an eventful personal life that was well-documented. However, his job as director of a lobbying firm and his part-time gig as a newspaper columnist for the Daily Express were lost after he made a prideful remark about his political influence. The remark was included in a 1998 exposé published in the Observer, which suggested that lobbyists linked to the Labour Party were providing government-policy-related information and access to their clients. This also had a negative impact on Draper's public image.

In an article by Observer, Draper claimed that he had a close relationship with all 17 members of the government. He exaggerated his importance and influence in the Blair administration. His words had consequences as he was linked to the "Lobbygate" scandal, although he was not complicit in any wrongdoing. Unfortunately, his boastful attitude resulted in his mental health deteriorating and he struggled with depression for an extended period of time. He had to undergo therapy for seven years to overcome the emotional distress caused by the incident.

After taking some time for deep self-reflection, he obtained a master’s degree in clinical psychology from a graduate school located in Berkeley, California. When he returned to London, he shifted career paths and became a psychotherapist, establishing himself as a private practitioner. He also pursued a second master’s degree from Tavistock Centre and Essex University, studying on a part-time basis in 2009.

Draper tied the knot with television presenter Kate Garraway in 2005, who co-hosts Good Morning Britain on ITV. Although he occasionally received publicity due to his wife's public notoriety, Draper remained in the background. Their wedding was acknowledged on 22 pages of OK! magazine, and he attributed his new lease on life to Garraway, who rescued him through their union.

Derek was born into a family that was actively involved in politics and held traditional beliefs aligned with the Labour party. He was born in Chorley, Lancashire and his parents were industrious workers: his mother, Chrina (nee Walkingshaw) was a cleaner and his father, Ken, was a shop steward at British Leyland. Derek's interest in politics began to develop when he was attending Southlands high school. From then on, he knew that he wanted to work in politics, and he pursued a degree in economics from the University of Manchester after he had finished his A-levels at Runshaw college, Leyland. Derek's grandfather worked as a miner, and his interest in his chosen career path was further emboldened by the 1984-85 miners' strike.

During his time in university, he actively participated in politics and supported the Labour party as a member of the students' union. Surprisingly, he was known for hanging a poster of Roy Hattersley in his college room. He got involved in Hattersley's campaign for deputy leadership in 1988 and proved to be a reliable member of the party. As a result, Nick Brown MP recruited him as his constituency secretary in Newcastle upon Tyne East.

Draper was eager to work in Westminster. He had caught Mandelson's attention during his campaign as a parliamentary candidate for Hartlepool in the 1992 general election. As a result, Draper was recruited as his researcher in the House of Commons. Draper made a name for himself during the New Labour era, but his carefree attitude often made others suspicious of him.

After leaving Mandelson, Draper became a director at GPC Market Access, a lobbying company. However, following the Lobbygate scandal, he lost his position there. Draper was instrumental in creating the Progress organization in 1996, which aimed to support Blair's policies. Additionally, he put together a book titled Blair's 100 Days, chronicling Blair's early days in power. The book was launched to great fanfare at a trendy restaurant in September 1997. When asked if he had authored the book, Draper responded with a quip: "Me? Write it? I haven't even read it."

Draper took a break from his political career and later came back as a volunteer advisor to Ray Collins, the general secretary of the Labour party in 2008. During this time, he worked on developing the LabourList website to promote the party's message. However, Draper stepped down in 2009 after allegations surfaced that he was in support of publishing false and defamatory information about Conservative politicians and their families.

Having worked in journalism and as a consultant, he also authored a book titled Life Support: A Survival Guide for the Modern Soul in 2009. As a member of the Labour party, he served for 35 years before ultimately resigning in 2019.

Draper caught Covid in March 2020 and had to be admitted to the hospital. He was put into a deep sleep for 98 days before being transferred to the intensive care unit. He was said to have been the longest- surviving patient after being hospitalized for 184 days. Although he left the hospital in April 2021, he had suffered serious bodily damage and required 24/7 care. He had to be readmitted in July 2022 and again in November 2023.

ITV aired two documentaries titled Finding Derek (2021) and Caring for Derek (2022).

Garraway and their two children, Darcey and William, along with his parents and sisters Susan and Dianne, are the ones who will continue to live after him.