Arrogant, snobbish, and an inveterate womanizer, Alan Clark is returned to Parliament as a Tory MP in 1983 and becomes a Cabinet Minister.

Clark seeks the favor of the PM, but seems unable to prevent himself from annoying her — and everyone else.

Clark's visits to foreign parts put a strain on his already fragile marriage to the long-suffering Jane.

Clark finds he has more enemies inside his own party than elsewhere, and realizes that even the PM's position is far from safe.

Clark decides to leave the political arena — a move he soon regrets.

Five years out of Parliament, Clark decides to return and is re-elected, but soon finds he is seriously ill.