Event

Jeffrey Archer dies aged 86

Novelist and former Conservative politician Jeffrey Archer died suddenly and peacefully at home on Monday, aged 86, his publisher HarperCollins said. A life peer, he was convicted of perjury and perverting the course of justice and served four years in prison. His new novel, Adam and Eve, is due to be published on 6 October.

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Background

Why this event matters

Jeffrey Archer was a novelist and former Conservative politician. He served as an MP for five years, became the party’s deputy chairman and was made a life peer in 1992. He was convicted of perjury and perverting the course of justice over evidence in a 1987 libel case, and served four years in prison. His first novel, *Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less*, appeared in 1976; *Kane and Abel* has sold more than 30 million copies, according to the article. He retired from the House of Lords in 2024.

event-brief

Jeffrey Archer dies aged 86

Jeffrey Archer was a novelist and former Conservative politician. He served as an MP for five years, became the party’s deputy chairman and was made a life peer in 1992. He was convicted of perjury and perverting the course of justice over evidence in a 1987 libel case, and serve

Reporting trail
The Guardian Culture | https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/oct/05/jeffrey-archer-former-conservative-politician-and-novelist-dies-aged-86 | published 2026-10-05T20:42:02.000Z | primary sourceThe Guardian Culture article | Primary supplied account of the death, career, publisher statement and forthcoming novel.Event digest | Concise corroboration of the reported death, conviction and publication date.Retrieved context: SAME_EVENT | Related Guardian Politics coverage noting his House of Lords retirement in 2024.The Guardian Politics | https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/oct/05/jeffrey-archer-former-conservative-politician-and-novelist-dies-aged-86 | published 2026-10-05T20:42:02.000Z | primary sourceThe Guardian Politics | Reports the death and biographical details, citing HarperCollins.Event digest | Summarises the reported death and career history.

Fact cards

entity brief

Jeffrey Archer dies aged 86: key people and institutions

Key entities: Jeffrey Archer, HarperCollins, Adam and Eve, Conservative Party.

faq brief

Jeffrey Archer dies aged 86: key questions

What was Jeffrey Archer known for? He was a novelist and former Conservative politician; *Kane and Abel* has sold more than 30 million copies, according to the article. What political roles did he hold? He was a Conservative MP for five years, later the party’s deputy chairman an

source brief

Jeffrey Archer dies aged 86: reporting sources

The Guardian Culture | https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/oct/05/jeffrey-archer-former-conservative-politician-and-novelist-dies-aged-86 | published 2026-10-05T20:42:02.000Z | primary source | The Guardian Culture article | Primary supplied account of the death, career, pub

timeline brief

Jeffrey Archer dies aged 86: timeline

1976: Archer’s first novel, *Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less*, was published. 1987: Libel case at the centre of evidence that later led to his conviction. 1992: Became a life peer. 2024: Retired from the House of Lords. Sunday, 4 October 2026: HarperCollins said he attended a

Timeline

1976

Archer’s first novel, *Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less*, was published.

1987

Libel case at the centre of evidence that later led to his conviction.

1992

Became a life peer.

2024

Retired from the House of Lords.

Sunday, 4 October 2026

HarperCollins said he attended a sold-out book event with Gyles Brandreth.

Monday, 5 October 2026

HarperCollins said Archer died at home, aged 86.

6 October 2026

*Adam and Eve* was scheduled for publication.

FAQ

What was Jeffrey Archer known for?

He was a novelist and former Conservative politician; *Kane and Abel* has sold more than 30 million copies, according to the article.

What political roles did he hold?

He was a Conservative MP for five years, later the party’s deputy chairman and a life peer.

Why did he serve a prison sentence?

He was convicted of perjury and perverting the course of justice over evidence in a 1987 libel case, and served four years.

What was his final novel?

*Adam and Eve* was due to be published on 6 October, the day after his reported death.

What did Jeffrey Archer do in politics?

He was a Conservative MP for five years, served as the party’s deputy chairman and became a life peer.

When did he retire from the House of Lords?

In 2024.

Why was he imprisoned?

For perjury and perverting the course of justice.

What was the cause of death?

The report does not state a cause.