Author and former politician Jeffrey Archer dies aged 86

Jeffrey Archer, the bestselling novelist and former British politician, has died at the age of 86. Over a prolific writing career spanning five decades, Archer sold more than 300 million books worldwide, penning well-known works such as the Clifton Chronicles and Kane and Abel, frequently setting his stories in his hometown of Wellington, Somerset.

Entering politics in 1969, Archer was elected as the Conservative MP for the Lincolnshire constituency of Louth, serving for five years before eventually becoming the party's deputy chairman. His political journey was derailed in 2001 when he was convicted of perjury and perverting the course of justice, stemming from a libel case he brought against the Daily Star newspaper in 1987 in which he won £500,000 in damages. Serving four years in prison, he was released in 2003 and later returned to the House of Lords until his retirement in 2024.

Despite his turbulent career history marked by both immense literary success and legal disgrace, Archer remained fiercely dedicated to his craft until his final days. Just last week, he visited his former school to promote his latest book and had been scheduled to appear at the Cheltenham Festival. On Sunday, he appeared alongside broadcaster Gyles Brandreth at the Leicester Square Theatre in London to sign books for fans.

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event

"Just yesterday I did a show with Jeffrey Archer to celebrate his new novel – he said it was to be his last."

Gyles Brandreth

Tributes poured in from friends and former colleagues following the announcement. Writing on X, Gyles Brandreth remembered him as a wonderful storyteller who was in ebullient form during their joint stage appearance. HarperCollins confirmed that Archer and his wife Mary had celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary earlier this year, and noted he is survived by their two sons and five grandchildren.