Jim Hacker is in the Cabinet Room in 10 Downing Street and is visited by his political advisor, Dorothy Wainwright. She is unhappy that she has been moved from her office, which used to be next door. The Prime Minister had apparently acted upon advice from the Cabinet Secretary, Sir Humphrey Appleby. Dorothy tells Hacker that the civil service has been trying to relocate her for three years. She makes the case that her room is of strategic importance as it enables her to overhear ministers who may be keeping things from the PM. Hacker is immediately swayed by her argument and orders Bernard to move Dorothy back.

Outside the Cabinet Room, as Bernard makes a call to relay his instructions, Sir Humphrey enters and commands him to stop. He vigorously makes the point that they have striven to remove the “impossible woman” as she may “confuse” the PM: in fact, she makes him doubt everything that his officials tell him. Dorothy joins them and Sir Humphrey is quick with the flattery, calling her “dear lady.” He swiftly changes the subject and chastises Bernard for allowing someone into Number 10 without a relevant security pass. He stresses that this is mandatory even if they are known to the police officer at the front door. Dorothy is more concerned with her office and tells Sir Humphrey that she is to move back right away. The mandarin disagrees angrily and goes into the Cabinet Room to see the PM.

With a typically loquacious argument, Sir Humphrey persuades Hacker that Dorothy really does need to remain upstairs. He assures the PM that he can have her written or verbal advice whenever he needs it. Hacker caves in and asks Bernard to send Dorothy back in. The PM tells her hesitantly that he has changed his mind, but she suspects that Sir Humphrey is behind it. She points out that the Cabinet Secretary wants to be the only channel of communication to the PM, and Hacker once again alters his view. They discuss how Sir Humphrey’s wings might be clipped. He is also Head of the Home Civil Service, but responsibility for pay and rations rests with the Permanent Secretary to the Treasury, Sir Frank Gordon. Dorothy suggests giving all of Sir Humphrey’s duties to Sir Frank. Hacker invites Sir Humphrey back in and tells him that Dorothy will be moved back once and for all. The civil servant is reluctant to refuse in her presence, but still won’t give a straight answer. Dorothy then leaves and the PM advises Sir Humphrey that he is considering relieving him of some of his professional burden. In addition, since Sir Humphrey works in the Cabinet Office, an adjoining but nevertheless separate building to Number 10, Hacker tells him he will be sent for if and when needed.

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Wikipedia