Francis Urquhart

Francis Urquhart is the Conservative Chief Whip, passed over for a cabinet post he feels is owed to him. Urbane, watchful, and outwardly loyal, he moves through Westminster's corridors with impeccable manners and a private contempt for the colleagues he serves. He confides in the viewer with a knowing smile, promising nothing outright but suggesting everything.

Richardson's trick is the direct address to camera — that sly 'You might very well think that; I couldn't possibly comment' — which turns the audience into co-conspirator before anything untoward has even happened. The charm is the menace; his politeness is a blade kept sheathed, and you lean in precisely because he's letting you watch him sharpen it.