A former MP has written a spy-thriller novel although publishing it was something of a mission impossible.

Gordon Henderson, who represented Sittingbourne and Sheppey for 14 years, had written the book as a tribute to his favourite author Len Deighton.

Titled Michael Palmer - A Very Working-Class Spy, the book was published by the former Tory MP in November.

However, the work was withdrawn due to copyright laws which saw Mr Henderson having to re-name the main character as well as the book’s title.

It is now called Steven Statton - A Very Working-Class Spy and was published by Conrad Press.

Mr Henderson explained: “My book has had a 60-year gestation period. I decided to write the book as a tribute to my favourite author, Len Deighton, whose work inspired me to start writing fiction in the first place.

“I decided to rename the book after Steven who is the son of David Statton, who was the hero in my first two books, ‘Operation Seal Island’ and ‘The Mandela Project’.

“In retrospect, I wish I had done that in the first place because it adds another dimension to the book, and its sequel, which I am currently working on.”

The plot sees the protagonist travel the world as he attempts to counter an Iranian plot and has a mix of action, drama, and humour.

The Sheppey resident added that the idea for the plot first came to him when he was in Venice in 2017.

He explained: “I then fleshed out the plot when I attended an event on the House of Commons Terrace to see London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks display in 2019.

“But because of the lack of writing time available to me, it has taken until now to complete the book, although much of it was written during the first Covid-19 lockdown in 2020.”

Mr Henderson’s observations in life and as an MP have influenced some of his characters with much of the action taking place in Westminster.

Meanwhile, Steven Statton is said to reflect many of Mr Henderson’s working-class qualities and failings.

The politician grew up on a council estate in Kent, left school at 16 and went on to have a varied career including running a restaurant in South Africa.

The 76-year-old also worked as a senior contracts officer in the defence industry and as the operations manager for a wine company before becoming an MP in 2010.

He has written several other books, including two for children, and is currently writing another Steven Statton novel.

Mr Henderson, who did not contest the most recent general election, said: “I think having worked full time for 60 years, since leaving school at 16, the time is right at the age of 76 to change direction again and devote my time to writing full time.

“Everybody who has read my book has been very complimentary which is encouraging me to finish the sequel I am currently working on.”