Following the local council elections, County Hall is now controlled, for the first time, by a coalition. The Rate Payers Alliance are part of this but discover how difficult real change is
WriterPhil Redmond
Episode 1
Feb 18, 1982
Following the election it is all change at County Hall. Sir Michael Gunther is the big winner by putting together a coalition but kingmaker Eddie Morgan of the Rate Payers Independent Alliance is demanding the chair.
Episode 2
Feb 25, 1982
Councillor Eddie Morgan takes charge of his first meeting. Gunther wants implement the McGovern Report which streamlines public services and implement an efficiency program. Morgan finds himself out of the loop and wants in.
Episode 3
Mar 4, 1982
Eddie Morgan gets accused of leaking the findings of the "McGovern Report" to the press. He considers the report goes to far but is pressured in to giving a denial so not to upset the unions. A breakout of petty thieving sees a chance to implement their new security measures.
Episode 4
Mar 11, 1982
The Education Department invade a council meeting when they discover their jobs is the price for the new computer system. Gary Lewis is wrongly accused as the petty thief which causes resentment among the staff members.
Episode 5
Mar 18, 1982
The Education Union get together for a plan of action to save their jobs. They decide to lobby the Rate Payers Alliance, who can block the planned cuts. Unaware that the Alliance have agreed their own plan, to only vote on local issues.
Episode 6
Mar 25, 1982
The architects arrive at County Hall to begin planning the new computer system. The Rate Payers Alliance chairman Eddie Morgan attempts look at the £70 million budget but discovers it is controlled by the Majority Party
Episode 7
Apr 1, 1982
A new time clock for clocking on causes friction. Union Rep Tony Dwyer get a tip off from the computer operative Sally Parker that the system is now being used to check the workers every move and they would consider striking.
Episode 8
Apr 8, 1982
Angry workers picket County Hall as they attempt to save their jobs. The computer operators agree to join the Teachers Union increasing the chance of a all out strike. Councillor Eddie Morgan gives a controversial radio interview.
Episode 9
Apr 15, 1982
County Hall is besieged by demonstrators following Eddie Morgan's radio interview. Morgan wants a 200% rate rise and funded by job cuts. Sir Michael Gunther decides to end the coalition and remove Eddie Morgan as council chairman.
Episode 10
Apr 22, 1982
The newspapers announce that the Liberals are making new pact with the SDP but Eddie Morgan makes them a counter offer. The computer workers start affirmative action but need to twist Union arms to get their full support
Episode 11
Apr 29, 1982
Union leader Ted Lewis facing demotion after a fight with office thief Les Patterson. Eddie Morgan wins over the SDP members to his coalition, at a price. While he attempts salvage his political career his wife decides to leave him.
Episode 12
May 6, 1982
It's pay day and striking workers fear getting into debt. Les Patterson is found dead in his office. Ted Lewis will back down if Larry Gilchrest is sacked for sexual assault. Sir Michael Gunther wants Eddie Morgan to join his party.
