Series 3

A pivotal change occurred when Nicola Murray, an unexpected last-minute appointment, assumed leadership of the Department of Social Affairs and Citizenship following Hugh Abbot's departure. Given her inexperience and lack of personal staff, Murray retained advisers Oliver Reeder and Glenn Cullen. Her primary initiative, the 'Fourth Sector Pathfinder Initiative', became a focal point of departmental policy amid growing election speculation and mounting tension at Number 10. The period saw increased interaction with opposition figure Peter Mannion and witnessed the gradual erosion of Malcolm Tucker's influence, particularly through challenges from Steve Fleming. This power struggle culminated in Tucker's forced resignation, though Fleming's victory proved short-lived as he was himself removed days later. Upon regaining his position, Tucker made the strategic decision to call an immediate election to outmanoeuvre both opposition and internal party threats.