How Yes, Minister made British politics a joke long before Brexit
It’s four decades since Sir Humphrey first bamboozled bewildered MP Jim Hacker with his stylish chicanery
THE Right Honourable James Hacker MP received a sharp reality check about the world of politics when he was appointed Minister for Administrative Affairs. Comedy series Yes, Minister began on BBC on February 25, 1980, and offered viewers a hilarious look inside the corridors of power.
Paul Eddington played idealist and publicity-hungry new minister Jim Hacker with Nigel Hawthorne as verbose civil servant Sir Humphrey Appleton and Derek Fowlds as private secretary Bernard Wooley.
Most episodes saw Hacker’s ambitious plans and political follies smoothly derailed or diverted by Sir Humphrey’s skilful manoeuvring, generally intended to return matters to the status quo as soon as possible. As the civil servant put it: “Politicians like to panic, they need activity. It is their substitute for achievement.”’
Anthony Jay and Jonathan Lynn were responsible for the sharp 30-minute scripts which covered everything from government economy drives and policy papers to official visits from overseas leaders and Cabinet reshuffles.
The political satire was popular with those who worked in Westminster for real and was watched as far afield as Russia, Taiwan,
Japan and Serbia.
Paul Eddington once said: “People abroad tended to play safe and treat me as a minister... just in case.”
The classic comedy was recorded in front of a live studio audience and most of the episodes ended with the signature line “Yes, minister”.
It was said to be Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s favourite show and in 1984 she personally presented the cast with the National Viewers’ and Listeners’ award. She even wrote a scene for them to perform with her called The PM’s Plan about a move to abolish economists and the moment was featured on the national news.
Hacker would emulate the Iron Lady in 1986, when new series Yes, Prime Minister saw him moving into Number 10 and running the country... with a little help from Sir Humphrey and Bernard, of course.
It was said to be Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s favourite show and in 1984 she personally presented the cast with the National Viewers’ and Listeners’ award...