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Sir Elton John and former prime ministers Sir Tony Blair and Gordon Brown have joined an outpouring of tributes from the political and entertainment worlds to the husband of TV presenter Kate Garraway, Derek Draper.

The 56-year-old former political adviser has died after several years of serious health complications due to coronavirus.

Sir Tony Blair paid tribute to Draper for his qualities as a professional and as a man.

“I am so sad to hear the news about Derek. My heart goes out to Kate and their children William and Darcey,” Sir Tony said.

“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.”

Sir Tony added Draper was “an important part of the New Labour story, at the centre of things right at the beginning”.

Gordon Brown added he will remember Draper as “brilliant, creative and multitalented”.

Meanwhile, Sir Elton John sent his “love and thoughts” to Garraway.

In response to her post on Instagram announcing the death, the musician wrote: “So sorry to hear of this news, Kate. Love and thoughts to you and your family x.”

Draper attended the Rocket Man’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road concert at London’s O2 Arena in April after being invited along with Garraway as the guests of honour.

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Kate Garraway, with her husband Derek Draper and her parents Gordon and Marilyn Garraway, after being made a Member of the Order of the British Empire for her services to broadcasting, journalism and charity by the Prince of Wales during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle, Berkshire. Picture date: Wednesday June 28, 2023.
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Kate Garraway, with her husband Derek Draper and her parents Gordon and Marilyn Garraway, after being made a Member of the Order of the British Empire

Fellow Good Morning Britain host Charlotte Hawkins also shared her sympathies with Garraway.

Alongside a photo of Draper and Garraway which Hawkins posted to Instagram, she wrote: “Such desperately sad news about Derek.

“It’s been an incredibly tough time for all the family & Kate has been so strong throughout all this – please send her your love & prayers so she knows we’re all here for her.”

Garraway confirmed her “darling husband” had died and she had been “by his side holding his hand throughout his last long hours” earlier today.

She said he suffered a heart attack in early December, adding that “the damage inflicted by COVID… led to further complications”.

Among the thousands of replies were tributes from Good Morning Britain host Susanna Reid, singer Alesha Dixon and Line Of Duty actress Vicky McClure.

“Our whole hearts are with you,” Reid wrote.

McClure added: “So so sorry to hear this Kate. Sending all my love to you and your family xxx.”

Presenter and comedian Alan Carr posted: “Oh Kate that’s so awful. Sending you so much love and the deepest condolences.”

Meanwhile, fellow ITV presenter Lorraine Kelly described Garraway as an “astonishing woman” who did her husband “proud”.

Garraway “has been so strong and brave,” she wrote on Instagram.

“Thoughts with her and her children and family. She was right by his side until the end and did him proud. An astonishing woman,” Kelly added.

Draper’s prominence in the Labour Party in the 1990s also led former Number 10 director of communications, Alastair Campbell, to pay tribute to him.

He said he was a “huge character, a giver not a taker, and had so much more to give before COVID took its toll”.

ITV boss Kevin Lygo, meanwhile, said ITV workers are “desperately saddened” to learn of Draper’s death.

“Everyone that has worked with Kate at ITV over the past few years are desperately saddened to hear this terrible news,” he said in a statement.

“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Kate and Derek’s family and we will continue to offer our support in any way we can at this very difficult time.”

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Kemi Badenoch calls on Sir Keir Starmer to sack Tulip Siddiq over property allegations

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Kemi Badenoch calls on Sir Keir Starmer to sack Tulip Siddiq over property allegations

Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has called on Sir Keir Starmer to sack Treasury minister Tulip Siddiq over allegations she lived in properties linked to allies of her aunt, Sheikh Hasina, the deposed prime minister of Bangladesh.

It comes after the current Bangladeshi leader, Muhammad Yunus, said London properties used by Ms Siddiq should be investigated.

He told the Sunday Times the properties should be handed back to his government if they were acquired through “plain robbery”.

Tory leader Ms Badenoch said: “It’s time for Keir Starmer to sack Tulip Siddiq.

“He appointed his personal friend as anti-corruption minister and she is accused herself of corruption.

“Now the government of Bangladesh is raising serious concerns about her links to the regime of Sheikh Hasina.”

Ms Siddiq insists she has “done nothing wrong”.

Her aunt was ousted from office in August following an uprising against her 20-year leadership and fled to India.

Ms Siddiq is also named with her aunt in Bangladesh court documents about meetings with the Russian government.

Kemi Badenoch
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Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has called on Sir Keir to sack the minister

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As economic secretary to the Treasury, Ms Siddiq is responsible for policy on both the City and tackling corruption.

She referred herself to the prime minister’s ethics watchdog on Monday following the reports about the properties.

On the same day, the prime minister said: “Tulip Siddiq has acted entirely properly by referring herself to the independent adviser, as she’s now done, and that’s why we brought into being the new code.

“It’s to allow ministers to ask the adviser to establish the facts, and yes, I’ve got confidence in her, and that’s the process that will now be happening.”

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