The ConservativeHomies have voted The Triumph of the Political Class their best book for 2007/08. Guido thinks they have made a good choice – the book is spot on. Peter Oborneanatomises a cross-party, parasitical ruling class. The class is personified in the next generation of most likely leaders of the major political parties; Clegg, Miliband and Cameron.
With views that are essentially interchangeably metropolitan liberal, all that differentiates them besides the colour of their rosettes is a bit of proportional representation, some income redistribution and a little Euro-scepticism. They are crowded ideologically onto that marginal – voter – friendly, focus-grouped, centre – ground. All went to Oxbridge, all had politico-media-wonkish mini-careers before climbing the political greasy pole.
If you have not read it already, Guido can’t recommend it enough…
Tom Harris bemoans the public’s attitude to politicians…
“Mr Oborne echoes the lazy, anti-politics whine we hear so often these days, all based on the absurd notion that politicians were once loved and only fell out of public favour during the expenses scandal. He should take a walk to the Strangers’ Bar. But not to sup with the patrons he seems to despise so much, dearie me, no; he should instead look at the paintings on the corridor outside the bar, which depict the devastating fire which consumed most of the Palace in 1834. And he should reflect on the fact that on that dramatic night, as the Commons went up in flames, a crowd gathered on the South Bank to clap and cheer.”