Vera (TV series) audience of 6.53 million over four episodes, whilst the fourth series attracted a slightly smaller audience of 6.42 million over four episodes. In 2018 the ratings increased to between 8 to 9 million viewers. Vera (TV series) Vera is a British crime drama series based on novels of the same name, written by crime writer Ann Cleeves. It was first broadcast on ITV on 1 May 2011, and to date, eight series have aired. The series stars Brenda Blethyn as the principal character, Detective Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope. Vera is a middle-aged employee of the fictional Northumberland & City Police,
Second Stanhope Ministry Second Stanhope Ministry The Second Stanhope Ministry was the ninth ministry of the Government of the Australian Capital Territory, and was led by Labor Chief Minister Jon Stanhope and his deputies Ted Quinlan (2004–2006) and Katy Gallagher (2006–2008). It was sworn in on 4 November 2004, following the Labor government's landslide re-election at the 2004 election. The retirement of veteran member Bill Wood at the election created a vacancy in the ministry, and backbencher John Hargreaves, who had polled exceptionally well at the election, was appointed to fill the position. There were several changes during the term of this ministry.