So a very important event was soon to happen.
An up-and-coming leader was about to take part in a ritual that would decide the future of an entire land.
It might require some work, and some uncomfortable alliances, but a future could be forged.
So they went to the moment of truth with no small amount of confidence.
But suddenly...
The exit polls arrived, and they were far more negative than anyone had anticipated, giving the Conservatives 30 or more seats than previous polls had suggested.