Jeffrey Archer's final interview before death contained warning for Burnham

Jeffrey Archer's final interview before death contained warning for Burnham Lord Jeffrey Archer spoke to GB News before his sudden death aged 86. Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Add us as preferred source Comments By Emmanuella Ngimbi 07:36, Wed, Oct 7, 2026 Updated: 08:19, Wed, Oct 7, 2026 Jeffrey Archer gave his final TV interview to GB News (Image: GB News) On Tuesday (September 7), it was confirmed that the prolific author and former Conservative MP Jeffrey Archer had died a "sudden" death at his home the day before. The 86-year-old had been on a press tour for his 50th and final book, and was even at a live book event hosted by Gyles Brandeth on Sunday. Having sold 300 million copies throughout his career, Jeffrey also appeared on GB News to promote his newly released novel, Adam and Eve. During the TV interview with presenter Andrew Pierce, the conversation soon turned to politics as the guest was asked if Prime Minister Andy Burnham should call for a general election. Jeffrey issued a major warning and advised: "Go now." Speaking to the presenter, he admitted: "I thought Andy Burnham's speech at the party conference was outstanding, convincing, and I think he's riding on a high. If I was advising him and I'm not ... I would say 'go now.' Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT "I think if he holds on for three years, having to live on the old Labour Party manifesto, that could be a burden for him." This prompted Andrew to ask: "Can the Conservative Party win the next election? To which Jeffrey blunty responded: "No, I think they can be the largest party." Despite several demands, the Prime Minister has explicitly ruled out calling an early snap general election, confirming that the next UK general election will not take place until 2029. During his first party conference speech, he pledged to change the UK's voting system by announcing plans for a national commission to explore electoral reform options . Burnham invited other parties to work with the commission to ensure "everyone's vote counts, and everyone's voice is heard". As for an election, he said that he wants to "draw a line" and focus on helping the public feel "a bit of hope in their lives", rather than begin another divisive electoral cycle. Confirming: "All of this speculation on an early election, I can knock that dead ." Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT BBC makes hated Strictly Come Dancing format change after Amy Dowden exit Meghan and Harry dealt humiliating blow as they're told 'get a job' on live TV ‘I think if he holds on for three years, having to live on the old Labour Party manifesto, that could be a burden for him.’In Lord Archer’s final interview with GB News presenter Andrew Pierce, they discuss his new novel and whether Andy Burnham should call a general election. https://t.co/CTnL1ZMI2M — GB News (@GBNEWS) October 6, 2026 Following Jeffrey's death, Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch led the political tributes, describing his passing as "devastating news" and a "huge shock". Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT She revealed that he had messaged her just hours before his death, complimenting her conference opening speech, and said: "I can't believe that I'm not going to get any more text messages from Jeffrey Archer, I will treasure the ones that I have. He was someone that the Conservative family really loved." Gyles shared a photo of himself and Jeffrey at the book event and penned: "I can’t believe that Jeffrey Archer, who was always so alive, is suddenly dead. We had a wonderful day together yesterday, as anyone who was there will tell you, he was in brilliant form on stage yesterday, celebrating the publication of his 50th and final best-selling novel." Andrew was also amongst the heartbreaking tributes, sharing his disbelief on Substack, he wrote: "I can't quite believe I'm writing this. My great friend Jeffrey Archer has died... He was as irrepressible as ever, full of stories and hugely excited about the publication of his final novel, Adam and Eve, which he told me was his best work ever. "There is something extraordinary about one of the world's great storytellers dying just hours before his final story reaches the world. Goodbye, old friend." GB News Andy Burnham General Election Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Add us as preferred source Comments