When MP James Hacker's party takes control of the government, the clueless politician finds himself serving as Minister of Administrative Affairs. His staff is of two minds about the new head - Principal Private Secretary Bernard Woolley is sympathetic to his new boss, but Permanent Secretary Sir Humphrey Appleby tartly reminds Woolley that ministers never stay long. For the most part, Appleby opposes changes suggested by the new minister, though they occasionally work together to promote a common goal such as retaining their department. Most episodes end with one of the characters saying "Yes, Minister."