The Rise and Rise of Michael Rimmer

Rimmer arrives at a small, ailing British advertising agency and is mistaken for a time and motion consultant. He quickly asserts de facto authority over the staff and outmaneuvers the incompetent boss Ferret, reshaping the leadership. This marks the start of his rise within the company.

Rimmer rebuilds the firm into the country's leading polling agency and becomes a familiar face on television as a polling expert. His media visibility amplifies his influence and signals his move from advertising into politics.

He shifts his focus from advertising to politics, acting as an adviser to Tom Hutchinson, the leader of the Tory opposition. His strategic meddling begins shaping policy directions from behind the scenes. This marks a transition from media influence to political power.

Rimmer arranges for Shadow Home Secretary Sir Eric Bentley to deliver an inflammatory anti-immigration speech. The speech provides Hutchinson with a pretext to fire Bentley and demonstrates Conservative opposition to immigration without any concrete policies. The scheme demonstrates Rimmer's willingness to manipulate events for political gain.

With Bentley out of the way, Rimmer secures the vacant seat of Budleigh Moor and enters Parliament. His ascent into elected office accelerates his climb up the political ladder. This marks a concrete turning point from strategist to national politician.

During his rise, Rimmer acquires a trophy wife, illustrating his transformation into a power-courting political operator. The marriage broadens his public profile and social reach. It underscored his new life among the political elite.

Rimmer's ascent continues as he rapidly climbs to the position of prime minister. He ends his predecessor's tenure by throwing him off an oil rig, a dramatic act that cements his dominance. The incident demonstrates his willingness to use extreme measures to gain control.

Rimmer implements endless referendums on trivial and complex matters, conducted by postal voting and televoting. This direct democracy campaign rapidly saturates government decision-making and shows how referendum fatigue can erode public engagement. It marks a radical shift in how power is exercised.

The constant referendums generate voter apathy and widespread protests against the reform. The public grows weary of the endless ballots and begins to question the legitimacy of the process. The political climate becomes unsettled as the system begins to break down.

Rimmer holds a last vote to 'streamline government' that would grant him dictatorial powers. Exhausted voters pass the proposal, inadvertently enabling his unchecked rule. The referendum marks the culmination of his plan to dominate politics.

Ferret attempts to assassinate Rimmer as he and his wife ride through the capital in an open-topped convertible. The attempt fails and Ferret dies in the process, removing a major obstacle to Rimmer's continued power. The event signals the ruthlessness of the political game.