G.B.H.

Firebrand Labour leader Michael Murray is swept into office on a tide of rhetoric. His first act is to "reform education", but it looks suspiciously like a personal vendetta against Mr. Weller, the headmaster who had once sent him, as a boy, to a special school for disturbed children. When Murray is summoned by the renowned political theorist, Mervyn Sloan, he is told that great things are expected of him. But Sloan also firmly insists that a general strike be called in Murrays city to challenge the Conservative Government. When one of Murrays council members, who has a weakness for the bottle, fails to ensure pickets are sent to one particular school, a disastrous conflict ensues between Murray and Jim Nelson, who is unfortunately headmaster of a school for special needs children.

Sloane and Barnes announce matter-of-factly that explosive racial violence shall be provoked in the city. When Murray denounces them and begins to storm out of the room, Barnes asks if the name Eileen Critchley means anything to him. Murray freezes on the spot and starts twitching. Jim Nelson decides he needs a holiday at term break, to get away from the pressure of Murrays pickets, and plans an itinerary that avoids crossing any bridges. Murray is falling under the spell of Barbara Douglas, who keeps him at arms length. Meanwhile, she visits Michaels mother, pretending to be a social worker, and leaves a note for Michael--signed "Eileen Critchley". Franky has finally had enough. He abandons Michael and drives off with the council car, in order to take his wife and children, as well as his mother, on an impromptu holiday to the seaside.

The Nelsons finally arrive in North Wales, thinking they have escaped their tormentors. Trouble is pursuing them, however, and mein Host at the holiday camp isnt without his problematic side, either.

Friday is the day designated for the showdown. Michael has had the local Labour Party meeting called to have Jim Nelson removed from membership; Lou Barnes has decreed this same day for Michael Murrays destruction.