The Thick of It

Peter Mannion is now secretary of state for the Department of Social Affairs and Citizenship. Spin doctor Stewart Pearson instructs him to launch an education initiative.

Nicola is the leader of the opposition and she feels the party should be realistic and agree with two unpopular policies of the government that they previously opposed.

Mannion is a reluctant participant in Thought Camp at a country hotel, where phones are forbidden.

While Nicola is on a train heading for Yorkshire Tucker plots her downfall for the party good, intending to replace her with Dan Miller.

After Nicola’s resignation Mannion considers following suit but saves himself on Phil’s advice by putting the blame on Nicola for Mr Tickel’s death since her husband was part of the housing project which made Tickel homeless.

Ministers and aides from all parties are summoned to give evidence at the Goolding Inquiry into the events involving and following Tickel’s suicide.

The witnesses from the Goolding Inquiry nervously await the result. A further crisis looms over the number of police staff being cut by the Home office.