Page "House of Cards" Paragraph 5

After the resignation of Margaret Thatcher, the governing Conservative Party is about to elect a new leader.

Francis Urquhart MP, the Chief Whip of the House of Commons, introduces viewers to the contestants, from which the popular and decent Henry Collingridge emerges victorious.

Urquhart is secretly contemptuous of Collingridge, but expects promotion to a senior position in the Cabinet.

After the general election, which the party wins by a reduced majority, Urquhart makes his suggestions for a cabinet reshuffle.

However, Collingridge — citing Harold Macmillan's political demise after sacking half his Cabinet — effects no changes at all.

Urquhart resolves to oust Collingridge, with encouragement from his wife, Elizabeth.