Key Points
- Member of Parliament for Romford, Andrew Rosindell, has paid a deeply personal tribute to his long-standing friend Jeffrey Archer following his sudden death at the age of 86.
- The friendship between the Conservative politician and the former MP and bestselling author spanned more than four decades, having first commenced in Hornchurch in 1983 when Rosindell was 16 years old.
- Rosindell highlighted Archer’s character as a “kind, caring and generous friend” who was never afraid to offer honest political and personal guidance.
- Archer actively supported Rosindell’s political endeavours over the decades, including making a personal campaign appearance in Gidea Park during Armed Forces Day in June 2024.
- During that 2024 campaign, Archer accurately predicted that Rosindell would retain his parliamentary seat, but cautioned that it would be achieved with a reduced majority.
- Rosindell expressed that the loss of his old friend would be deeply felt across political and personal circles, concluding his moving statement with: “Thank you for everything, old friend. I will miss you enormously”.
Romford (East London Times) October 6, 2026 – Romford Member of Parliament Andrew Rosindell has paid a deeply emotional tribute to his long-term friend Jeffrey Archer following the announcement of his sudden passing. Reflecting on a bond that began in East London in 1983 and endured for more than forty years, the parliamentarian remembered a friendship that successfully navigated political campaigns, personal triumphs, and changing political landscapes.
As reported by Francesca Lilleystone of The Havering Daily, Rosindell stated that he was deeply saddened to learn of the sudden loss of his “dear friend” Jeffrey Archer. The Romford MP recalled meeting the former Conservative politician and world-renowned author in Hornchurch shortly before the 1983 General Election, when Rosindell was a 16-year-old political enthusiast. Over the subsequent four decades, the pair maintained a close personal connection, with Archer evolving into a trusted mentor and confidant throughout Rosindell’s legislative career.
Describing Archer as a “kind, caring and generous friend”, Rosindell noted that the veteran figure was always readily available to offer support and never shied away from providing unvarnished, direct advice. Although the two did not always hold identical political views, Rosindell highlighted how Archer’s unique perspectives frequently caused him to stop, reflect, and evaluate his decisions.
How did Jeffrey Archer support Andrew Rosindell’s recent constituency campaigns?
As further reported by Francesca Lilleystone of The Havering Daily, one of Rosindell’s fondest recent memories occurred in June 2024, when Archer travelled to Romford to mark Armed Forces Day. During the visit, the two stood side-by-side to salute veterans from the London Borough of Havering before Archer joined the MP on the campaign trail in Gidea Park during the General Election period.
While assisting on the doorstep, Archer foresaw the difficult political climate for the Conservative Party and offered a candid forecast regarding the local ballot. Archer predicted that Rosindell would successfully win the election and secure his seventh consecutive term as MP for Romford, but issued a stern warning that the victory would not come with his customary, sweeping majority. Rosindell remarked that his old friend’s political instincts proved entirely accurate when the final vote tally was declared.
For the Romford MP, however, Archer’s significance transcended standard party politics, elections, and parliamentary strategy. Rosindell emphasized that Archer was a steadfast friend who remained unwavering in his loyalty through both prosperous periods and difficult personal moments, consistently showing devotion to those who had formed part of his life’s journey. In a final tribute to his decade-spanning friend, Rosindell said:
“Thank you for everything, old friend. I will miss you enormously”.
What is the background to the friendship and careers of Andrew Rosindell and Jeffrey Archer?
The relationship between Andrew Rosindell and Jeffrey Archer forms a notable footnote in the modern history of the Conservative Party in East London and Westminster.
When the pair first met in Hornchurch in 1983, Archer was already a prominent national figure. Having served as the Member of Parliament for Louth between 1969 and 1974, Archer had rebuilt his public career as a global bestselling novelist following severe financial setbacks. He subsequently served as Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party under Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in the mid-1980s, establishing himself as one of the party’s most energetic fundraisers and public speakers.
Andrew Rosindell, who joined the Young Conservatives in his youth, embarked on a long political journey within Havering. He served as a local councillor in Romford for many years before being elected to the House of Commons as the Member of Parliament for Romford in 2001. Throughout his decades in Parliament, Rosindell established himself as a prominent traditionalist Conservative MP, widely recognized for his patriotic campaigning and deep constituency ties.
Throughout Archer’s turbulent career—which included high-profile legal battles, elevation to the House of Lords as Lord Archer of Weston-super-Mare, and a global literary career spanning over 300 million book sales—the bond between the two remained intact. Archer remained a regular visitor to Havering, frequently dropping in to support local constituency initiatives, charitably assist local drives, and support Rosindell’s parliamentary campaigns.
How will this development affect constituents, political allies, and the wider public?
The passing of Jeffrey Archer and the subsequent public tribute from Andrew Rosindell are expected to resonate across several distinct groups:
1. Romford and Havering Residents
For local constituents and Conservative activists in Romford and Hornchurch, Archer’s decades-long connection to the area represents the loss of a familiar veteran figure who regularly visited the borough over forty years. His participation in local civic events, such as the June 2024 Armed Forces Day in Romford, demonstrated a tangible link between Westminster politics and local community affairs. Local supporters will likely view his loss as the end of an era for traditional political campaigning in the borough.
2. Parliamentary and Political Circles
Within the Conservative Party, the public tribute highlights the historical continuity between different generations of politicians. Rosindell’s reflections emphasize the value of political mentorship and internal party friendships that endure beyond policy disagreements and electoral cycles. Archer’s career serves as a historical reminder of the high-energy campaigning style that characterized the Conservative Party during the 1980s.
3. Literary and Media Audiences
For the wider reading public and publishing world, the loss of Lord Archer marks the conclusion of a five-decade writing career that produced some of the most widely read popular fiction of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Personal tributes from active politicians like Rosindell offer the public a glimpse into the author’s private loyalty and personal relationships away from the public gaze and national headlines.
