Lady Archer 'not bothered' by husband's affairs, said aide

Mary Archer told her personal assistant last year that she had "never been bothered" by her disgraced husband Jeffrey's affairs with other women, court documents released yesterday revealed.

Jane Williams said she confessed to Lady Archer that her husband had been repeatedly unfaithful during the 13 years of her employment. But she said the renowned scientist and academic remained impassive and kept her composure at the news, saying: "Well, you know, I've never been bothered about all that."

Ms Williams, 49, told of the conversation in a written statement given to the industrial tribunal investigating her claim that she was unfairly dismissed by Lady Archer.

The statement was released yesterday, 10 days after the tribunal ruled that Lady Archer had treated Ms Williams "fairly" and had not unfairly sacked her.