Derek’s demise sparked an outpouring of tributes from some fairly large names, together with the final two Labour prime ministers. Sir Tony Blair issued an announcement saying: “I’m so unhappy to listen to the information about Derek. My coronary heart goes out to Kate and their kids 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 beneath that powerful exterior, he was a loving, sort, beneficiant and good-natured man you wished as a buddy. He was an essential a part of the New Labour story, on the centre of issues proper originally. But most essential of all, he was a great colleague and nice buddy. And we are going to miss him deeply.”
Gordon Brown, Blair’s successor, described Derek as “multitalented” in a tribute shared on Twitter (X). The Scottish politician wrote: “So unhappy that after such a courageous battle Derek Draper has misplaced his life on account of Covid. I’ll bear in mind him as good, inventive and multitalented, and our ideas are with Kate, Darcey and Billy. RIP Derek.”
