Phillip McCain is a non-canonical character created for the 2003 ITV adaptation of the novel Sparkling Cyanide. He is an influential and powerful politician who directs the investigation into the death of Rosemary Barton from behind the scenes.
After the death of Rosemary Barton at a night club, McCain summons Col Geoffrey Reece and Dr Catherine Kendall to undertake an investigation. His concern is not so much the cause of death but that no scandal should come to the government because of the presence of the government minister Stephen Farraday at the table. Reece and Kendall are to look out for "affairs, drugs, corruption, dubious friends...." McCain is portrayed as influential and powerful and able to give instructions to a government minister such as Farraday. George Barton comments that McCain has tentacles everywhere and that if he should ever write a book....
McCain's exact position is not stated. However he talks about "us" winning the elections--clearly showing that he is a politician and not a senior civil servant. His office is in Downing Street and he has direct access to the Prime Minister--when he learns that Farraday was having an affair with Rosemary, the Prime Minister is informed almost immediately. Given his power even over ministers, if is likely that he holds a position such as a personal advisor to the Prime Minister or the Chief Whip. When Reece or Kendall interview witnesses, they do not mention their own organisation (which is "GSHQ"--probably an MI5 parallel). They merely need to say "from McCain, of the Prime Minister's office" and that is enough for everyone to understand. The end of the show has a scene where Reece and Kendall sum up the aftermath with McCain.
Phillip McCain is portrayed by Jack Fortune.