Jeffrey Archer, author and former MP, dies aged 86

Jeffrey Archer, the bestselling author and former Conservative MP, has died at the age of 86. His publisher, Harper Collins, confirmed on Monday that he passed away "suddenly and peacefully at his home between writing sessions". Archer, who sold over 320 million books worldwide during a five-decade career, had recently completed his final novel, Adam and Eve, a Second World War love story scheduled for release this month.

Political Career and Conviction

Before his literary success, Archer served as a Conservative MP. His political career was significantly impacted in 2001 when he was jailed for four years. This followed a conviction for perjury and perverting the course of justice related to a libel case he brought against The Star newspaper in 1987, for which he had been awarded £500,000 in damages. He was released early in 2003 and remained a life peer until his retirement from the House of Lords in 2024.

Literary Achievements

Archer's 1979 novel, Kane and Abel, achieved global recognition and topped The New York Times bestseller list. He was known for his rigorous writing discipline, often producing up to 14 handwritten drafts for a single manuscript. Kate Elton, Harper Collins UK chief executive and Archer's editor, described him as "the master storyteller" and "an editor's dream", highlighting his dedication to perfection and collaborative approach to publishing.

Nadhim Zahawi, Reform UK MP for Stratford-on-Avon, paid tribute to Archer as a "dear friend and an extraordinary human being", noting his "gift for storytelling", "wit, warmth and boundless energy". Zahawi also highlighted Archer's significant charitable work, stating he used his talents as a charity auctioneer to raise millions for good causes.

Just the day before his death, Archer attended a sold-out event with broadcaster Gyles Brandreth at the Leicester Square Theatre in central London to sign copies of his new novel. Brandreth described Archer as being in "wonderful, ebullient form" and a "great storyteller to the last".

Archer is survived by his wife, Dame Mary Archer, and their two sons. He and Dame Mary had celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this year.