Bestselling novelist and former British politician Jeffrey Archer has passed away at the age of 86. His publisher, HarperCollins, announced that the author died suddenly at his residence on Monday during a break from his writing routine.

Born in north London in April 1940, Archer spent his youth in Somerset. He entered the political arena in 1969 by winning election as a Conservative member of parliament for Louth in Lincolnshire. Although his tenure in the House of Commons lasted five years, he later stepped into the role of Conservative Party chairman.

His political ambitions faced a major disruption in 2001 when he received a four-year prison sentence. A court convicted him of perjury and perverting the course of justice in connection with a 1987 libel lawsuit against a tabloid newspaper. Following his release from prison in 2003, he resumed his seat in the House of Lords, maintaining it until his retirement in 2024.

Alongside his political endeavors, Archer built a prolific literary career spanning five decades, during which he sold upwards of 300 million books. Well-known projects included the Clifton Chronicles and Kane and Abel, with many of his plots drawing inspiration from his roots in Somerset.

HarperCollins noted that his final novel, titled Adam and Eve, is scheduled for publication this month. Just days prior to his passing, the author visited his former school to generate excitement for the book's launch and was scheduled to appear at the Cheltenham Festival. On Sunday, he appeared at a London theater alongside broadcaster Gyles Brandreth to sign copies for supporters.

Tributes poured in from political figures and literary colleagues following the news. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch expressed deep sadness on social media, recalling an encouraging message she had received from him earlier that same day.

Kate Elton, the chief executive of HarperCollins UK and Archer's editor, commended his exceptional work ethic and dedication to refining his manuscripts through countless drafts. Broadcaster Gyles Brandreth also shared fond memories of their recent stage appearance, praising the author's vibrant energy and self-deprecating humor. Former chancellor Nadhim Zahawi remembered him as a close friend marked by warmth and wit.

Archer is survived by his wife Mary, with whom he recently marked their diamond wedding anniversary, along with two sons and five grandchildren.

Reporting based on coverage first published by BBC News. Read the original report at BBC News.