Plot:

Death at Westminster follows tour guide Diana Bakewell as she investigates the murder of Florence Breecher, a researcher for MP John Chapman-Moore, during a school tour of the Houses of Parliament. Diana uncovers a web of corruption, property fraud, and personal vendettas while guiding a group of students from Foxwood Grange Academy through London's political heart.

The Crime:

Florence Breecher is stabbed to death in the House of Commons chamber during a protest. Initially, suspicion falls on the protestor Catalina Arenosa and MP John Chapman-Moore. Diana discovers that Florence had been investigating Chapman-Moore's fraudulent property scheme for housing the homeless. As Diana delves deeper, she uncovers that the real killer is Tabitha Welkin, Florence's cousin and flatmate, who murdered Florence due to personal grievances and stress over her university studies.

Sub Plots:

1. Zaf Williams, Diana's coworker, struggles with homelessness after breaking up with his boyfriend. Diana eventually offers him temporary accommodation.
2. Newton Crombie, the bus driver, deals with an infestation of cats at the Chartwell and Crouch bus depot, attempting to reunite them with their owners.
3. John Chapman-Moore's corrupt "Helping Hands for the Homeless" scheme is exposed, leading to his political downfall.
4. Ava Franks, a student on the tour, discovers that John Chapman-Moore might be her biological father.

Main characters:

1. Diana Bakewell
2. Zaf Williams
3. Newton Crombie
4. John Chapman-Moore
5. Florence Breecher
6. Tabitha Welkin
7. Hanna O'Grady
8. DCI Clint Sugarbrook

Relationship development:

• Diana and Zaf: Develop a closer friendship, with Diana offering Zaf accommodation
• Diana and Newton: Bond over solving the cat infestation problem
• Zaf and Newton: Collaborate on managing the cat situation at the depot
• Diana and Hanna O'Grady: Initially suspicious of each other, but develop mutual respect
• John Chapman-Moore and Florence Breecher: Revealed to have had a potentially inappropriate relationship
• Ava Franks and John Chapman-Moore: Ava discovers he might be her father, but decides not to pursue a relationship

Morris Walker's imprisonment:

The novel briefly mentions that Morris Walker, Diana's old friend and former boss at Chartwell and Crouch, has been imprisoned. Diana expresses concern that Paul Kensington, the current manager, will destroy the company's character in Morris's absence. The details of Morris's crimes and imprisonment are not fully explored in the novel.

Diana Bakewell:

Introduction:
Diana Bakewell is a London-based tour guide and amateur detective who plays a central role in solving the murder of Florence Breecher in the Houses of Parliament.

Overview:
Diana works as a tour guide for Chartwell and Crouch, a London tour company. She possesses extensive knowledge of London's history and culture, which she uses in both her professional work and amateur sleuthing. Diana maintains a wide network of contacts throughout London, which she often leverages to gather information and solve mysteries.

Background:
Diana moved to London in the early 1980s and secured a favorable rental agreement for her flat in Eccleston Square, Pimlico. She has worked as a tour guide for several decades and occasionally performs as a "stiffener" (guest singer) in choirs. Diana has also provided uncredited backing vocals on several hit singles.

Role in this Story:
In the novel, Diana leads a school tour group from Foxwood Grange Academy through London's political landmarks. When Florence Breecher is murdered during their visit to the Houses of Parliament, Diana investigates the crime. She uncovers a property fraud scheme orchestrated by MP John Chapman-Moore and ultimately identifies Tabitha Welkin, Florence's cousin, as the murderer.

Basic details and Physical Attributes:

• Name: Diana Bakewell
• Age: Early 60s
• Place of Birth: East London (Bromley-by-Bow area)
• Current Residence: Eccleston Square, Pimlico, London
• Nationality: British
• Education Level: Unknown
• Occupation: Tour guide for Chartwell and Crouch
• Income Level: Moderate
• Relationship Status: Single
• Car: Does not drive, prefers to walk or use public transport
• Height: Not specified
• Weight: Not specified
• Build: Not specified
• Skin colour: Not specified, likely Caucasian
• Eye colour: Not specified
• Hair colour: Not specified
• Face shape: Not specified
• Distinguishing marks: None mentioned
• Physical ailments or injuries: None mentioned

Zaf Williams:

Introduction:
Zaf Williams is a young tour guide working for Chartwell and Crouch in London. He assists Diana Bakewell in solving the murder of Florence Breecher while dealing with personal challenges.

Overview:
Zaf is a recent addition to the Chartwell and Crouch team. He possesses a background in art history and demonstrates artistic talent, particularly in painting and design. Zaf struggles with housing insecurity in London due to high rental costs and a recent breakup.

Background:
Zaf originates from Birmingham and moved to London to pursue career opportunities. He studied Art History at university but did not complete his degree. Prior to the events of the story, Zaf lived with his boyfriend Malachi, but their breakup left him without stable housing.

Role in this Story:
In Death at Westminster, Zaf assists Diana Bakewell on the Foxwood Grange Academy tour. He helps investigate Florence Breecher's murder, provides support in managing the cat infestation at the bus depot, and creates protest art for anti-poverty demonstrators. Throughout the story, Zaf grapples with homelessness, eventually accepting Diana's offer of temporary accommodation.

Basic details and Physical Attributes:

• Name: Zaf Williams
• Age: Early to mid-20s
• Place of Birth: Birmingham, England
• Current Residence: Homeless at the start, later stays with Diana Bakewell
• Nationality: British
• Education Level: Incomplete university degree in Art History
• Occupation: Tour guide for Chartwell and Crouch
• Income Level: Low to moderate
• Relationship Status: Recently single
• Car: Does not own a car
• Height: Not specified
• Weight: Not specified
• Build: Not specified, likely slim or average
• Skin colour: Black
• Eye colour: Not specified
• Hair colour: Not specified
• Face shape: Not specified
• Distinguishing marks: None mentioned
• Physical ailments or injuries: None mentioned

Newton Crombie:

Introduction:
Newton Crombie is the dedicated bus driver for Chartwell and Crouch tours in London. He plays a significant role in managing the unexpected cat infestation at the company's bus depot.

Overview:
Newton is a meticulous and detail-oriented individual with a passion for the vintage Routemaster buses he drives. He possesses extensive knowledge of London's transportation history and demonstrates a keen interest in engineering and problem-solving.

Background:
Newton is married to Siobhan and has multiple children, referred to as "the little Crombies." He has worked for Chartwell and Crouch for an unspecified period, developing a strong attachment to the buses and the depot.

Role in this Story:
In Death at Westminster, Newton faces the challenge of managing a sudden influx of stray cats at the Chartwell and Crouch bus depot. He creates an elaborate system to catalog and rehome the cats, demonstrating his organizational skills and dedication. Newton also assists Diana Bakewell and Zaf Williams in their investigation by providing transportation and sharing his observations.

Basic details and Physical Attributes:

• Name: Newton Crombie
• Age: Mid-30s to early 40s
• Place of Birth: Not specified, likely London or surrounding area
• Current Residence: London (specific area not mentioned)
• Nationality: British
• Education Level: Not specified
• Occupation: Bus driver for Chartwell and Crouch
• Income Level: Moderate
• Relationship Status: Married to Siobhan
• Car: Drives Chartwell and Crouch's vintage Routemaster buses
• Height: Short (described as "little more than half Diana's age")
• Weight: Not specified
• Build: Not specified
• Skin colour: Not specified, likely Caucasian
• Eye colour: Not specified
• Hair colour: Grey-brown
• Face shape: Not specified
• Distinguishing marks: None mentioned
• Physical ailments or injuries: None mentioned

John Chapman-Moore:

Introduction:
John Chapman-Moore is a controversial British politician serving as the independent Member of Parliament for Pudsey and Otley. He becomes embroiled in a murder investigation and property fraud scandal.

Overview:
Chapman-Moore presents himself as a philanthropic politician championing causes such as homelessness. However, he has a reputation for inappropriate relationships with young women and engages in fraudulent property schemes.

Background:
Chapman-Moore began his career as a real estate agent in Leeds, owning Foxwood Estate Agents. He later sold his business and moved into London's property market before entering politics. He served as a Conservative MP for ten years before losing the party whip and becoming an independent.

Role in this Story:
In Death at Westminster, Chapman-Moore sponsors a school tour of Parliament, during which his researcher Florence Breecher is murdered. The investigation reveals his corrupt "Helping Hands for the Homeless" scheme, which defrauds the government by claiming funds for non-existent housing projects. His political career ends in disgrace when the fraud is exposed.

Basic details and Physical Attributes:

• Name: John Chapman-Moore
• Age: Early 60s
• Place of Birth: Likely Leeds or surrounding area
• Current Residence: London (specific area not mentioned)
• Nationality: British
• Education Level: Not specified
• Occupation: Member of Parliament for Pudsey and Otley
• Income Level: High (wealthy from property dealings)
• Relationship Status: Not specified, known for affairs with young women
• Car: Not specified
• Height: Not specified
• Weight: Described as "fleshy" and "flabby"
• Build: Overweight
• Skin colour: Not specified, likely Caucasian
• Eye colour: Not specified
• Hair colour: Bald (described as having hair in old photographs)
• Face shape: Not specified
• Distinguishing marks: None mentioned
• Physical ailments or injuries: None mentioned

Florence Breecher:

Introduction:
Florence Breecher was a young researcher working for John Chapman-Moore MP. Her murder in the House of Commons chamber sparks the central mystery in Death at Westminster.

Overview:
Florence was known for her enthusiasm, diligence, and boundless energy. She balanced a demanding job with an active social life, often described as a "party animal." Despite her outgoing nature, Florence possessed a strong moral compass and dedication to her work.

Background:
Little is known about Florence's background prior to her employment with John Chapman-Moore. She shared a flat with her cousin, Tabitha Welkin, in London. Florence developed a reputation for working long hours and maintaining an active nightlife.

Role in this Story:
Florence's murder during a school tour of Parliament sets the main plot in motion. Before her death, she uncovered evidence of John Chapman-Moore's fraudulent property scheme and compiled a dossier on his activities. Her death initially appears linked to this discovery but is later revealed to be the result of personal conflicts with her cousin and flatmate, Tabitha Welkin.

Basic details and Physical Attributes:

• Name: Florence Breecher
• Age: Mid to late 20s
• Place of Birth: Not specified
• Current Residence: London (shared flat with Tabitha Welkin)
• Nationality: British (presumed)
• Education Level: University graduate (implied)
• Occupation: Researcher for MP John Chapman-Moore
• Income Level: Moderate
• Relationship Status: Single, rumored affair with John Chapman-Moore
• Car: Not specified
• Height: Not specified
• Weight: Not specified
• Build: Not specified
• Skin colour: Not specified
• Eye colour: Not specified
• Hair colour: Ginger (coppery)
• Face shape: Not specified
• Distinguishing marks: None mentioned
• Physical ailments or injuries: None mentioned prior to her murder

Tabitha Welkin:

Introduction:
Tabitha Welkin is a university student and part-time cleaner at the Palace of Westminster. She becomes the central figure in the murder of her cousin, Florence Breecher.

Overview:
Tabitha struggles to balance her studies in Political Science at the London School of Economics with her part-time work. She shares a flat with her cousin Florence Breecher and harbors growing resentment towards her due to Florence's disruptive lifestyle.

Background:
Tabitha works on the facilities team at the Palace of Westminster while pursuing her degree. She experiences significant stress due to academic challenges and her living situation with Florence. Tabitha develops a plan to murder Florence, using her position as a cleaner to access restricted areas of Parliament.

Role in this Story:
Tabitha murders Florence Breecher in the House of Commons chamber during a protest. She creates a false dossier implicating John Chapman-Moore in corruption to misdirect the investigation. Tabitha approaches Diana Bakewell with this fabricated evidence, inadvertently drawing attention to herself. Diana ultimately uncovers Tabitha's role in the murder.

Basic details and Physical Attributes:

Name: Tabitha Welkin
Age: Early to mid-20s
Place of Birth: Not specified
Current Residence: London (shared flat with Florence Breecher)
Nationality: British
Education Level: Undergraduate student at London School of Economics
Occupation: Student and part-time cleaner at the Palace of Westminster
Income Level: Low
Relationship Status: Not specified
Car: Not mentioned

Height: Not specified
Weight: Not specified
Build: Not specified
Skin colour: Not specified
Eye colour: Not specified
Hair colour: Ginger (coppery, similar to Florence)
Face shape: Not specified
Distinguishing marks: None mentioned
Physical ailments or injuries: None mentioned

Hanna O'Grady:

Introduction:
Hanna O'Grady serves as the Serjeant at Arms for the House of Commons in the United Kingdom Parliament. She plays a significant role in the investigation of Florence Breecher's murder.

Overview:
O'Grady holds a position of considerable authority within Parliament, responsible for maintaining order and security. She possesses a stern demeanor and commands respect from her colleagues and visitors to Parliament.

Background:
Little is known about O'Grady's background prior to her role as Serjeant at Arms. She suffered a leg injury in the past, which occasionally causes her discomfort. O'Grady belongs to a private members' club and participates in a parliamentary choir as an alto.

Role in this Story:
O'Grady becomes involved in the investigation of Florence Breecher's murder. She initially denies meeting Florence but later reveals she received evidence of John Chapman-Moore's corruption from her. O'Grady cooperates with the police investigation while working to protect Parliament's reputation.

Basic details and Physical Attributes:

• Name: Hanna O'Grady
• Age: Not specified, likely middle-aged
• Place of Birth: Not mentioned
• Current Residence: London (presumed)
• Nationality: British (presumed)
• Education Level: Not specified
• Occupation: Serjeant at Arms, House of Commons
• Income Level: High (presumed due to position)
• Relationship Status: Not mentioned
• Car: Not specified
• Height: Not specified
• Weight: Not specified
• Build: Not specified
• Skin colour: Not mentioned
• Eye colour: Not mentioned
• Hair colour: Dark
• Face shape: Described as having "severe features"
• Distinguishing marks: None mentioned
• Physical ailments or injuries: Past leg injury, occasionally uses a walking stick

DCI Clint Sugarbrook:

Introduction:
Detective Chief Inspector Clint Sugarbrook leads the investigation into Florence Breecher's murder at the Houses of Parliament in London.

Overview:
Sugarbrook is a no-nonsense police officer with a commanding presence. He approaches the investigation methodically, initially focusing on the protection of MPs rather than the victim.

Background:
Sugarbrook comes from a family with a boxing background. His father, Joe "Samoan Joe" Sugarbrook, was a professional boxer from the Solomon Islands who fought in London. Clint followed his father into law enforcement rather than boxing.

Role in this Story:
DCI Sugarbrook heads the murder investigation of Florence Breecher. He interrogates various suspects and witnesses, including Diana Bakewell and the tour group. Sugarbrook initially dismisses Diana's amateur sleuthing but ultimately relies on her insights to solve the case.

Basic details and Physical Attributes:

• Name: Clint Sugarbrook
• Age: Not specified, likely mid-40s to early 50s
• Place of Birth: Likely London or surrounding area
• Current Residence: London (presumed)
• Nationality: British
• Education Level: Not specified
• Occupation: Detective Chief Inspector, Metropolitan Police
• Income Level: Moderate to high
• Relationship Status: Not mentioned
• Car: Not specified
• Height: Tall (described as "hulking")
• Weight: Heavy-set
• Build: Large, broad-shouldered
• Skin colour: Not specified, likely mixed-race due to Solomon Islands heritage
• Eye colour: Not specified
• Hair colour: Not mentioned
• Face shape: Square-jawed
• Distinguishing marks: None mentioned
• Physical ailments or injuries: None mentioned