Jeffrey Archer, English author, playwright, and politician

Jeffrey Howard Archer, Baron Archer of Weston-super-Mare, born on 15 April 1940, stands as one of Britain's most intriguing public figures. His life story is a remarkable tapestry woven with threads of compelling literary success, high-stakes political ambition, and dramatic, often controversial, personal reversals. He has carved out a unique space in public consciousness as both a hugely popular novelist and a former politician whose career was ultimately derailed by scandal and legal entanglement.

A Career in Politics: From Parliament to Peerage

Archer's journey into public life began in earnest when he was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Louth, serving from 1969 to 1974. However, his initial foray into politics concluded abruptly when he faced a significant financial scandal that left him on the brink of bankruptcy, leading him not to seek re-election in the tumultuous political landscape of 1974. Despite this setback, his political ambitions resurfaced. He later rose to a prominent role as the deputy chairman of the Conservative Party, a position he held from 1985 to 1986. This period, too, ended in controversy, as he resigned after a newspaper alleged he had paid money to a prostitute. Strikingly, Archer successfully sued the newspaper for libel in 1987, winning substantial damages and seemingly clearing his name at the time. His political standing appeared to recover, culminating in his elevation to a life peerage in 1992, where he became Baron Archer of Weston-super-Mare, a title that granted him a seat in the House of Lords and recognized his contributions to public life.

The Rise of a Best-Selling Author

Parallel to, and often in rescue of, his tumultuous political career, Archer cultivated an extraordinary career as a novelist. After his initial political exit and financial difficulties, he turned to writing, quickly discovering a remarkable talent for crafting compelling narratives. His books, known for their engaging plots, often in the thriller or political drama genres, and accessible style, rapidly achieved international best-seller status. This phenomenal success not only revived his personal fortunes but also cemented his reputation as one of the most prolific and popular storytellers of his generation, with his works ultimately selling more than 320 million copies worldwide. His literary achievements often provided a stark contrast to the controversies that periodically engulfed his political life, showcasing a different facet of his public persona.

Final Downfall and Imprisonment

The nadir of Archer's political life came when he was poised for another significant political comeback. He was selected as the Conservative candidate to become the first elected Mayor of London, a newly created and high-profile position. However, this ambition crumbled dramatically in 1999 when it emerged that he had lied during his 1987 libel case regarding the prostitute allegation, specifically providing a false alibi. This revelation led to his immediate resignation from the mayoral candidacy. The subsequent legal proceedings resulted in his conviction and imprisonment from 2001 to 2003 for perjury and perverting the course of justice, effectively bringing an end to his active political career and profoundly altering his public image.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is Jeffrey Archer?

Jeffrey Howard Archer, Baron Archer of Weston-super-Mare, is a prominent English novelist, a life peer in the House of Lords, and a former politician whose career was marked by both significant success and considerable controversy.

What is a life peer?

In the United Kingdom, a life peer is an individual appointed by the monarch to the House of Lords for the duration of their lifetime. Unlike hereditary peers, their title and seat do not pass to their children, and they play a role in the legislative process.

How many books has Jeffrey Archer sold?

Jeffrey Archer is an exceptionally successful author, with his books having sold over 320 million copies worldwide.

What kind of books does he write?

He is renowned for his captivating thrillers, political dramas, and multi-generational sagas, often featuring intricate plots, suspense, and compelling characters, such as the popular 'Clifton Chronicles' series.

What led to Jeffrey Archer's imprisonment?

Jeffrey Archer was imprisoned from 2001 to 2003 for perjury and perverting the course of justice. This stemmed from his providing a false alibi during a 1987 libel case, which came to light years later.

Is Jeffrey Archer still active in politics?

His active political career concluded with his imprisonment in 2001. While he retains his life peerage, granting him a seat in the House of Lords, he is no longer actively involved in partisan politics or seeking public office.