Former Prime Minister Tony Blair pays tribute to 'loving, kind and generous' Derek Draper

Former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair has led tributes to former lobbyist and political adviser Derek Draper who has died after suffering long-lasting symptoms from coronavirus.

Derek's death was announced by his wife, TV presenter Kate Garraway, in an Instagram post on Friday morning.

Derek, 56, was a prominent figure in New Labour in the 1990s, and worked with Blairite Peter Mandelson and set up the Progress organisation with Liam Byrne, who went on to become an MP.

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Sir Tony was among those to pay tribute to Derek following his death. 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.”

Alastair Campbell, a fellow prominent New Labour figure in the 1990s, described Derek Draper as “a huge character”.

He tweeted: “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