Derek Draper, the husband of TV presenter Kate Garraway, has died at the age of 56 after a long health battle.

The former lobbyist and political adviser died after suffering long-lasting complications after contracting Covid-19.

Mr Draper, who was from Chorley in Lancashire, was a Labour Party lobbyist for almost a decade.

He left politics in 1998 after being involved in the 'Lobbygate' scandal in which he was caught on record boasting of his ability to sell access to government ministers, BBC News reports.

Warrington Guardian: Derek Draper and Kate Garraway married in 2005 and had two children togetherDerek Draper and Kate Garraway married in 2005 and had two children together (Image: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire)

After that, he retrained as a psychotherapist, married Garraway in 2005 and they had two children together.

When did Derek Draper contract Covid?

Draper fell seriously ill with Covid-19 in March 2020 and was put in a coma from which he did not wake up from until October of that year.

Despite being free of the virus, he had suffered long-lasting damage to his organs and required daily care.

He eventually returned home on a trial basis in April 2021, and unfortunately had not regained his ability to speak.

In July 2022, Garraway confirmed Draper had been readmitted to hospital and later that month it was reported that his condition had worsened.

He was taken to hospital in December for further treatment.

Kate Garraway pays tribute to husband Derek Draper

In a post on Instagram following the death of her husband, the Good Morning Britain presenter said: “I’m sad to have to tell you all that my darling husband Derek has passed away.

“As some of you may know he has been critically ill following a cardiac arrest in early December which, because of the damage inflicted by Covid in March 2020, led to further complications.

“Derek was surrounded by his family in his final days and I was by his side holding his hand throughout the last long hours and when he passed.

"I have so much more to say, and of course I will do so in due course, but for now I just want to thank all the medical teams who fought so hard to save him and to make his final moments as comfortable and dignified as possible.

“Sending so much love and thanks to all of you who have so generously given our family so much support. Rest gently and peacefully now Derek, my love, I was so lucky to have you in my life.”