Having won the leadership of his party through foul and devious scheming, the ruthless Francis Urquhart is newly installed as Prime Minister. But he is uneasy at the memory of Mattie, the young journalist he murdered on the way to the top, and facing criticism from a caring and honourable new monarch who’s appalled by his unfeeling, materialistic policies. However, Urquhart has lost none of his relish for the fight.