I see Todd’s humouring smile. Clare is clever, brilliant, beautiful. But she’s just a woman. Todd has met Breitner. They’ve spoken man to man. Breitner is an entrepreneur first and foremost. He just wants confidence that a Labour government will leave him to do what he does best, which is build businesses. And Johnny wants to give him that assurance, because it will symbolise everything about how Labour is changing. Do you know how many Labour governments have served two full consecutive terms? None. Not a single one. But with Breitner as our ally, with Breitner onside, we can be in office long enough to really change this country.

Clare wants to believe in Todd but she is disoriented. There is no taming Breitner; no being Breitner’s friend. If Labour believes in making the changes the country needs, then Media Corp can never be an ally – because its values are antithetical to everything decent and good. Johnny, look at the page 5 Globes, the topless women. He laughs indulgently. Oh come on. That’s just a bit of fun. She is becoming frustrated, upset. She has to tell him other important news. Maybe it will make a difference.

I’m pregnant, Johnny. It’s yours.

He looks serious. The grin has gone. That’s wonderful, darling. There’s a pause. What do you want to do? And in that moment, all her illusions about him fall away. I’m not sure. Probably keep the baby. She becomes cold, businesslike. I am assuming from your reaction that you’re not keen.

He smiles again. Oh, Clare, I’m so fond of you. But you always knew about my family situation. My wife, my children – and of course the election. We’ve had fun though, haven’t we?

Clare feels lost. But only for a moment. Pecks are stubborn, resilient. Johnny. I will keep the baby. And before you offer, I don’t want your fucking money. And I will never tell anyone you are the father – unless, that is, you fail to do the right thing and deliver justice to Breitner’s victims. In fact, if you choose to prop him up, I will take my story, our story, to the press. I think even the Globe would find it hard not to print what I have to say.

And that was when Clare Peck became a lethal threat to the man whose only ambition was to be Prime Minister and remain in 10 Downing Street for a generation.