Palliser, initially unsure that he is fit to lead, grows to enjoy his high office, but becomes increasingly distressed when his government proves to be too weak and divided to accomplish anything.

A significant sub-plot centres on Ferdinand Lopez, a financially overextended City adventurer of undisclosed parentage and ethnicity, who wins the favour of Emily Wharton.

The Duke is furious with his wife, who disobeyed his explicit order not to interfere in the election, but his strong sense of personal honour obliges him to meet Lopez's demands.

This causes a minor political scandal when it becomes known, as it appears to many people that the Duke used his great influence and wealth to try to buy a seat in Parliament for a supporter.

Eventually the coalition government breaks up and the Duke resigns, with both regret and relief, and withdraws into private life, hoping to be of use to his party again in the future.