Jeffrey Archer 'suing former literary agents in High Court over claims he is owed £500,000'

Jeffrey Archer is suing his former agent over claims he missed out on more than £500,000 owed for his vast literary output, it was reported today.

It is understood the bestselling author of Kane And Abel, who served as Tory party chairman during Margaret Thatcher’s tenure, is taking on his long-time representatives Curtis Brown.

Lord Archer believes the agency failed to secure money he was owed for his work, before they parted ways in 2019.

Curtis Brown strongly denied any failures on their part, and are disappointed that the peer has begun legal action after a long relationship which spanned Lord Archer’s time in prison for perjury.

It is understood the writer wants to recover money he believes should have been paid by publishers, with his former agency accused of failing to do work which would have prevented alleged underpayments.

This has been rejected by the literary agents, with a spokesman for Curtis Brown saying: “We’re disappointed because we’ve had a successful relationship with Jeffrey for 17 years and have worked very hard for him, as we do for all our clients.

“But we entirely reject this claim and will defend it robustly.”

Legal documents are understood to have been filed at the High Court, with James Ramsden QC representing Lord Archer.

The peer and his representatives have declined to comment on the legal action.