Whether times are good or bad, the rich and powerful will always flourish, but they might not ever be satisfied. None more so than Eric Esterhazy, Member of Parliament for Reigate, whose mission in government is to lower taxes, cut public spending, promote a strong defence policy and keep the nation’s borders secure. This is a mission that takes the Right Honourable Gentlemen to very nearly the highest position of authority in the land when he serves as a loyal Minister in the Government of National Unity. He is helped on his way by Lord Newbury and Sir Eden St John-Easton whose good will also benefits Alex and Theo, but not so much either his own or Alex’s daughter. However, power and wealth alone don’t guarantee immunity from the dissatisfaction of the English people, as Sir Eden and Eric Esterhazy MP both discover.

2