Life as a single mother is taking its toll on Bernice and, unable to deal with the pressure, she takes her frustration out on everyone around her. The situation doesn't improve when the midwife arrives and suggests that a pub is not necessarily the best place for a baby. Ashley is worried when Bernice visits him and tells him of the midwife's concerns. Seizing the opportunity he suggests that they should move in to the vicarage. Viv discovers that the local MP is standing down and decides to run for office herself. Meanwhile, Eric visits Chris and asks him to support his campaign. Charity is pleased to hear of his visit and is convinced that it may be the ideal way to blackmail Eric into helping her land the refuge contract. Paddy grows frustrated by his mother's attempts to contact him. After yet another phone call, he tells her not to ring again.