Boris Johnson pays tribute to deceased author Jeffrey Archer

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 10:55 · Archive

Boris Johnson has posted a death tribute to Jeffrey Archer, the former politician and bestselling novelist who died aged 86.

Jeffrey Archer, the former Conservative politician turned bestselling novelist, died suddenly on 5 October aged 86. He had a successful dual career in politics and writing, becoming a life peer in 1992 as Lord Archer of Weston-super-Mare. He was the Conservative party's candidate for the first London mayoral election, though his political career ended when he was imprisoned for four years in 2001 for perjury and perverting the course of justice. He was released early in 2003 and served in the House of Lords until his retirement in 2024.

Archer made millions from his bestselling novels, most notably Kane and Abel. His first publishing success came with Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less in 1976. Boris Johnson posted a tribute to Archer this week, in which he said: 'Wonderful piece by Fraser. I read Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less at university. Perfect plot. His critics were just jealous.' Johnson, who lives near Wallingford in Oxfordshire, shared an obituary from The Times by Fraser Nelson with his tribute.

Members of the public criticised Johnson's comments in the tribute.

How it is being reported

• Boris Johnson, 62, slammed after calling out 'jealous critics' in death tributeThe former prime minister of the UK has slammed 'jealous critics' in a tribute following the death of a noted author.Oxfordshire Guardian · 9 Oct, 10:15
• Boris Johnson, 62, slammed after calling out 'jealous critics' in death tributeThe former prime minister of the UK has slammed 'jealous critics' in a tribute following the death of a noted author.Oxford Mail · 9 Oct, 10:15

In this story: Boris Johnson · Jeffrey Archer · Conservative Party · House of Lords · Oxfordshire

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