Jeremy Clifton
Special Adviser to the Foreign Secretary — played by Brendan Berne
| Born | c. 1998 |
|---|---|
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Political adviser |
| Title | Special Adviser to the Foreign Secretary |
| Known for | Founding the Gay Tory chapter at his public school |
Early Life
Clifton is from a blue-blooded Tory background and founded the Gay Tory chapter at his public school, an early sign of the mix of conviction and social dexterity that would define his career.
Career
Clifton traded the drudgery of the Foreign Office graduate programme for a seat in Fiona Patton's office, quickly making himself indispensable to her. He has long admired Patton's take-no-prisoners media style, particularly a memorable interview some years ago in which she gave a prominent broadcaster a very hard time.
Personal Life
Clifton is gay but has not come out to Patton, uncertain of her views on the matter — though privately confident she would see past it to "the real person inside," a confidence Patton's own private suspicions about him do not entirely contradict. Colleagues describe him as sharp and socially adept, quietly navigating a closet both he and Patton seem, by unspoken agreement, to be ignoring.
Role in Rank
Clifton's balancing act — loyal aide, closeted gay Tory, quiet operator inside a chaotic ministry — puts him in position either to protect Patton from herself or to become collateral damage in her decline.