Urquhart is the perfect politician. Impeccably diplomatic, charming, admired, trusted and respected by all. But events are about to spark his ambition. When he is passed over for promotion by a new party leader, he hatches a dastardly plot to wreak revenge on each and every one of his colleagues.

Urquhart is furious when the new Prime Minister tells him that he is far too valuable in his current post to be offered a ministerial position. Hiding his contempt of the man behind his usual urbane smile, Urquhart believes the new PM will not last long, and perhaps something can be arranged to hasten his departure?

As scandals and leaked stories gain momentum, Collingridge finds himself in deep political trouble, and he has no alternative but to step down as Prime Minister. The only man whom he feels he can still trust is Urquhart. Meanwhile, political journalist Mattie Storin begins to suspect that Collingridge has been framed. But who is the culprit?

[Season Finale] Urquhart's ruthless scheming is working. As the leadership election looms, all his leading rivals have been discredited. But even though the obstacles in his way have been erased, there is still no guarantee of his winning. Meanwhile, the truth is beginning to dawn on Mattie.

Despite being haunted by the memory of the young journalist he murdered on his way to the top, Francis Urquhart is now triumphantly installed in No 10 as Prime Minister. And when he faces criticism from an unexpected quarter, he relishes the prospect of a new campaign.

The King is insisting that politicians should have the interests of the populace more at heart. For appearances sake, Urquhart pretends to take a more temperate stance towards the King's attack on his policies.