Bestselling author and former Conservative MP Jeffrey Archer has died at the age of 86. His death was announced by his publisher, HarperCollins, which stated he died suddenly and peacefully at home on Monday.

Archer enjoyed a five-decade career that saw him sell more than 300 million books worldwide. His most famous works include the Clifton Chronicles and Kane and Abel, many of which were set in his home town of Wellington, Somerset. His political career included serving as an MP for the Lincolnshire constituency of Louth and later as Conservative Party deputy chairman.

HarperCollins described Archer as a master storyteller whose readers were paramount. His final book, Adam and Eve, is scheduled for release this week. The publisher noted he had been signing books with broadcaster Gyles Brandreth just the day before his death. Archer had also recently returned to his former school to promote his latest novel, expressing joy at seeing the "next generation" of young readers.

Archer's political career was significantly impacted in 2001 when he was jailed for perjury and perverting the course of justice. This followed a libel case he brought against The Star newspaper in 1987, for which he was awarded £500,000 in damages. He served four years of his sentence and was released in 2003.

Following his release, Archer returned to the House of Lords, where he remained until his retirement in 2024. His publisher confirmed he had been working on writing sessions up until his death.

Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch expressed shock at the news, stating Archer had sent her an encouraging message that very morning. Kate Elton, HarperCollins UK CEO and Archer's editor, called it a privilege to have worked with him, highlighting his dedication to his craft and his role as a "true champion" of the publishing process.

Archer was born in north London in 1940 and moved to Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, at a young age. He and his wife Mary celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this year. They have two sons and five grandchildren. Archer was also scheduled to attend the Cheltenham Festival this Saturday to discuss his final novel.

Questions remain about the full details surrounding his passing, though his publisher emphasized it was sudden and peaceful at home. The literary and political worlds continue to react to the loss of a figure known for both his celebrated storytelling and his controversial political past.