Author and former politician Jeffrey Archer dies aged 86

Author and former politican Jeffrey Archer has died aged 86, his publisher confirmed in a statement. He passed away peacefully in his home on Monday, in between writing sessions, Harper Collins said.

He served as a Conservative MP between 1969 to 1974, and later served as deputy chairman of the party between 1985 to 1986. He was made a life peer in 1992, and became the first Conservative candidate to be selected to run for Mayor of London.

However, he dropped out of the election in 1999, after it was discovered he lied during a court case against The Star newspaper in 1987.

In 2001, Archer was sentenced to four years in prison for perjury and perverting the course of justice. He was released in 2003, and subsequently returned to the House of Lords, until his retirement in 2024.

His book Kane and Abel, published in 1979, remains one of the best-selling books worldwide. Since beginning his writing career, he has published 31 novels and his books have sold over 320 millions copies globally.

Harper Collins reported that the author was in London for a sold-out event on Sunday, where he met with hundreds of fans and signed books.

His final novel Adam and Eve is released today.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch paid tribute to Archer in a post on X. She revealed that he sent her a message on Monday morning ahead of the party's conference in Birmingham.

"This is a huge shock," she said.

"I am incredibly saddened to hear this news. He had sent me a lovely message just this morning and was always a great source of encouragement to me personally.

"I can’t believe he’s gone. He was a dear friend to so many of us and the Conservative family will be reeling at this news. Our thoughts are with Dame Mary and all their family at this time."

Kate Elton, Harper Collins UK and chief executive and Archer's editor shared a statement about his death:

"It has been one of the great privileges of my publishing life to have been Jeffrey Archer’s editor.

"He was the master storyteller and an editor’s dream – phenomenally hard-working, utterly committed to completing draft after draft to get every word as perfect as possible, and a true champion of the 'team’ nature of great publishing.

"We’re all devastated to have lost a writer who has brought joy to generations of readers – and a true friend."

Jeffrey Archer and his wife Mary Archer celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary earlier this year. The couple have two sons and six grandchildren.