Elton John and Tony Blair attend Draper's funeral

Elton John and Tony Blair join other notable figures at a private funeral in London to mourn the passing of Draper, the husband of Kate Garraway. Stars and politicians pay their respects in a solemn ceremony.

Stars and politicians gather to mourn at the funeral of Kate Garraway’s husband at a private ceremony in London.

Derek Draper, the author and former political adviser who passed away last month, was laid to rest in a private funeral attended by prominent figures including Sir Elton John and Sir Tony Blair, along with other stars and politicians. Among those present were Draper’s wife, TV presenter Kate Garraway, and their children. Draper had battled severe complications from Covid-19 since contracting the virus in March 2020, enduring a cardiac arrest in December before succumbing to the illness in early January.

Garraway penned a statement on Instagram, referring to her beloved husband Derek. Last April, Sir Elton dedicated his rendition of “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” to Garraway and Draper, who were present at his performance at the O2 Arena in London.

In 2005, Draper and Garraway tied the knot and became parents to two children.

Before Draper’s funeral, Garraway, the host of Good Morning Britain (GMB), welcomed guests.

Among them were her colleagues from GMB, including Ben Shephard, Richard Madeley, and Susanna Reid. Additionally, former GMB presenter Piers Morgan paid his respects at the service.

Broadcaster Richard Madeley and musician/broadcaster Myleene Klass attended to offer their final respects. Klass has previously filled in to host Garraway’s Smooth Radio program.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and Alastair Campbell, the former Labour spin doctor, were also observed entering the church in North London.

They were accompanied by former Labour MPs Lord Peter Mandelson and Tristram Hunt, who currently serves as the director of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

The ceremony was attended by additional political figures such as former shadow chancellor Ed Balls and shadow climate secretary Ed Miliband.

Originating from Chorley in Lancashire, Draper served as a Labour Party lobbyist for nearly ten years.

In 1998, he departed from the political arena following his implication in the “Lobbygate” controversy, during which he was recorded boasting about his capacity to broker access to government ministers.

After undergoing retraining as a psychotherapist, he regularly contributed articles to magazines and newspapers on psychotherapy topics. He authored two books: “Blair’s 100 Days” and “Life Support.”

In 2009, he established the LabourList website, a news platform that supported the Labour Party while maintaining its independence.

Following Draper’s passing, Sir Tony was among those who honored his memory, fondly recalling him as both a valuable colleague and a cherished friend.