Jeffrey Archer Dies: Bestselling ‘Kane & Abel’ Author & Politician Was 86

Bestselling author and former politician Jeffrey Archer has passed away at the age of 86. Archer sold over 300 million books during his five-decade writing career, setting many of his novels in his hometown of Wellington, Somerset. A statement from his publisher, HarperCollins, revealed that Archer died "suddenly and peacefully at home" on Monday during a writing session.

The former Conservative MP was imprisoned for perjury in 2001 after being found guilty of lying and cheating in a 1987 libel case against the Daily Star. Born in north London on April 15, 1940, Archer moved to Weston-super-Mare in Somerset at a young age, where his family purchased a house from John Cleese's mother. In 1969, he was elected as the MP for the Lincolnshire constituency of Louth, serving for five years before becoming the Conservative Party chairman.

Archer's political career was interrupted in 2001 when he served four years in prison for perjury and perverting the course of justice following a libel case against The Star newspaper, which awarded him £500,000 in damages. He returned to the House of Lords until his retirement in 2024. His final book, Adam and Eve, is set to be released this week, with HarperCollins describing him as a "master storyteller" whose readers held him in enormous regard.

Last week, Archer returned to his former school to promote his latest novel, expressing joy at seeing the next generation of young students. He was due to attend the Cheltenham Festival on Saturday to discuss his final book. Archer was set to celebrate his 60th wedding anniversary with his wife Mary this year, who they have two sons and five grandchildren.

Former Conservative MP and party chairman Kemi Badenoch expressed her shock at Archer's death, stating that he had sent her a "lovely message" just hours before and served as a source of encouragement. HarperCollins UK CEO and Archer's editor, Kate Elton, hailed him as a "master storyteller" and an editor's dream, praising his dedication to completing drafts and his commitment to the publishing team.

Broadcaster Gyles Brandreth recounted a recent show with Archer, praising his wit, warmth, and great reception from the audience. Former Conservative Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi also paid tribute to Archer, describing him as a "dear friend and extraordinary human being" and noting that life was never dull in Archer's company.