New MP Elaine Stalker, married with a teenage daughter, has worked hard for sucess, but in the masculine atmosphere of the House of Commons her talents are ignored Fellow newcomer Andrew Muncastle begins his ascent to power hard aware of the pressure on his wife and young son Whip Roger Dickson sympathises with Elaine's frustrations in what begins as a professional relationship but gradually becomes much more Sir Nigel Boswood wants to end his career with distinction, but his tragic weakness leads to a sordid scandal