First Among Equals (TV series)

First Among Equals is a British political drama television miniseries based on the 1984 novel of the same name by Jeffrey Archer. It was produced by Granada Television and aired on ITV in 1986.

The series follows the intertwined careers and personal lives of four ambitious Members of Parliament (MPs) from different backgrounds and political leanings within the Conservative Party. These MPs, all elected in 1964, each aspire to become Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

The central characters are:

• Simon Kerslake: A charming and charismatic MP with aristocratic connections and a bright future. He is portrayed as fundamentally decent but potentially naive and vulnerable to influence.

• Charles Gurney: A brilliant and driven barrister who enters politics with a strong sense of duty and a rigid moral compass. His unyielding principles often put him at odds with the pragmatism required for political success.

• Raymond Gould: A self-made businessman who uses his wealth and acumen to climb the political ladder. He is portrayed as ruthless and pragmatic, willing to compromise his principles for power.

• Andrew Fraser: A Scottish MP from a more humble background. He is known for his integrity and commitment to his constituents, but faces challenges due to his regional identity and lack of elite connections.

The series chronicles their individual journeys, their political maneuvering, their personal sacrifices, and the scandals and setbacks they encounter as they compete for the ultimate prize. It explores themes of ambition, power, betrayal, friendship, and the compromises inherent in a life dedicated to politics. The narrative spans several decades, depicting significant events in British political history and social change. The conclusion reveals which of the four men ultimately achieves the premiership.