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The Party follows Martin Gilmour, a journalist shaped by his lifelong friendship with the wealthy and charismatic politician Ben Fitzmaurice. Having met at an elite boarding school, Martin and Ben have an unbreakable bond. Three decades on, Martin is invited to Ben’s lavish birthday party at the Fitzmaurice’s country pile, but Martin fears that the publicity of Ben’s bid for Conservative leader will dredge up the secrets of their past with tragic consequences.
Ben's lavish birthday party is derailed by a shock announcement. Lifelong friend Martin warns Ben to avoid a rash response - or risk the exposure of secrets from their past.
Martin struggles to contain the fallout from Ben's shock announcement as the tragedy from their shared past is finally revealed.
Under emotional pressure from a frantic Ben, Martin must decide how far he's prepared to go to bury the secret from their past and save his best friend.
The news that Amina is going to publish sends Ben spiralling. Martin tells Ben he has to tell Katherine the truth before the story comes out. In the past, we see how Serena orchestrated Martin meeting Lucy and their subsequent engagement. On Martin's stag do, Ben and Martin share a final night together, but when Ben reveals that Serena is pregnant, Martin has to accept their relationship is over. At the party, Lucy's health deteriorates and she needs to go to hospital. Ben wants Martin to stay and help him confront Amina, but when Martin refuses, a fight ensues and Martin leaves with Lucy. Newly resigned party leader Elinor arrives at Denby Hall with bad news for Ben – she won't back his leadership bid. Serena is furious with Ben – he's sacrificed both their futures. Ben accuses her of being a drunk. Ben goes to Katherine but can't face telling her the truth about Phoebe. As Ben confronts his grief, he receives a call from a furious Martin. He wants to meet him in the outhouse.
Martin confronts Ben with a gun in his hand. Years of pain and anger spill out. But Ben grabs the gun and reveals the depths of his own despair. A gunshot rings out. Serena discovers Martin covered in Ben's blood and tells the police she saw Martin with the gun. Martin once again finds himself in custody. With the evidence mounting against Martin, Ben fights for his life in hospital. In the chaos of the party aftermath at Denby Hall, Jarvis's stash of cocaine is found by the police and he is arrested. Only Ben can save Martin, but will he recover? And will he tell the truth?
