House of Cards by Michael Dobbs Page B

upheaval or change. There's another vital point ’ he continued, lust because our majority has been cut, we must avoid giving the impression that we are panicking. That would send entirely the wrong signal to the Party and the country, and could bring about just that demand for change which you are so nervous of. Remember that Macmillan destroyed his own Government by panicking and sacking a third of his Cabinet. "The Night of the Long Knives" they called it, and he was out of office the following year. That was a mistake I am not anxious to repeat. So I'm thinking of a much more controlled approach myself.'
    Collingridge slipped a piece of paper across the desk towards Urquhart, who picked it up. On it was printed a list of Cabinet positions, twenty-two in all, with names alongside them.
    'As you see, Francis, I am suggesting no Cabinet changes at all. I hope it will be seen as a sign of great determination and strength. We have a job to do, and I think we should show we want to get straight on with it'
    Urquhart quickly replaced the paper onto the desk, anxious that the tremble in his hand might betray his inner feelings.
    If that is what you want, Prime Minister,' he said, slipping into a formal tone. ‘I have to say that I am not sure how the Parliamentary Party will react. I've not had sufficient chance to take soundings since the election.'
    I'm sure they will accept it. After all, we are proposing a substantial number of changes below Cabinet level to keep them happy ’ There was the slightest pause. 'And of course I assume I have your full support?' he asked quizzically.
    There was another pause, slightly longer this time, until Urquhart heard himself responding.
    'Of course, Prime Minister ’
    His own voice sounded strangely distant. He knew he had no choice: it was either support or suicide through instant resignation. The words of acceptance came out automatically, but without conviction. He felt the Whips Office closing around him like the walls of the condemned cell. Once again Urquhart felt uneasy in Collingridge's presence, not knowing how to read him or how to respond to him. But he could not leave it there. His words faltered as he found his mouth suddenly dry.
    ‘I have to say that I... was rather looking for a change myself. A bit of new experience ... a new challenge ’
    'Francis ’ the Prime Minister said in his most reassuring manner, 'if I move you, I have to move others. The whole pile of dominoes begins to fall over. And I need you where you are. You are an excellent Chief Whip. You have devoted yourself to burrowing right into the heart and soul of the Parliamentary Party. You know them so well, and we have to face it that with such a small majority there might be one or two sticky patches over the next few years. I need to have a Chief Whip who is strong enough to handle them. I need you, Francis. You are so good behind the scenes. We can leave it to others to do the job out front ’
    You appear to have made up your mind ’ Urquhart said, hoping that it sounded like a statement of fact rather than the accusation which he felt.
    ‘I have ’ replied the Prime Minister. 'And I am d eeply grateful that I can rely on your understanding and support.'
    Urquhart felt the cell door slam shut. He thanked them, cast a dark eye at the Party Chairman, and took his farewell. Williams hadn't uttered a single word.
    He left through the basement of Number Ten which led him past the ruins of the old Tudor tennis court to the Cabinet Office, which faces onto Whitehall. He was well out of sight of die waiting press. He couldn't face them. He had been with the Prime Minister less than half an hour, and he did not trust his face to back up the lies he would have to tell them. He got a security guard at the Cabinet Office to telephone for his car to be brought round.
    The battered BMW had been standing outside the house in Cambridge Street, Pimlico for almost a quarter of an hour. Amidst the chaos of discarded