Election fever grips Skelthwaite, but Simon finds his opponent more formidable and devious than the weedy kid he used to bully at school. Karen's mother Linda is becoming a burden at the Buckley home, but a rethink is needed when it emerges she has a serious medical problem, and David finds himself embroiled in Conrad Walker's spurious business empire with no hope of backing out. Meanwhile, Beth uncovers Anita's beauty secrets and plans to make things difficult for estranged husband Stewart.