Francis Urquhart - To Play The King

To Play The King

The second instalment starts with Francis Urquhart, in his second term as Prime Minister, feeling a sense of anti-climax. Having gained great power and influence, he wonders how to use them. His wife comments that he needs "'Something or someone to present you with a new challenge. Something to stimulate you intellectually. Bring out the best in you.'" This challenge is shortly provided in the form of the new King. The King has a strong social conscience, and is concerned about what he sees as the result of Urquhart's hard-line policies. He does not directly criticise Urquhart in public, but makes speeches about the direction he wishes the country to pursue, which contrasts with the Government's policies. Urquhart wins the confidence of the King's estranged wife and uses his influence in the press to reveal intimate and scandalous secrets concerning the Royal Family. The King is dragged into campaigning on behalf of the Opposition during a general election which Urquhart wins, creating a constitutional crisis and finally forcing the King to abdicate in favour of his teenage son, whom Urquhart expects to be a much less influential Monarch.

Urquhart also murders his former ally and Party Chairman, Tim Stamper after he learns of Mattie's tape and that Stamper acquired it and now, embittered by Urquhart's failure to reward his loyalty, Stamper plans to go to the police with the tape. He also eliminates his own aide (and lover) Sarah Harding, in whom Stamper had confided. Both perish in car explosions, made to appear as IRA terrorist attacks, arranged by his bodyguard, Commander Corder.

With a tame monarch and no threat in sight, Urquhart is secure as Prime Minister.