Toffs and Commoners in Politics

So much seems to be made at present about class – specifically concerning how the Tories are “Toffs” who can’t relate to the average working man. For starters, I don’t believe that there is such as thing as an “average working man” – the days of the three tier class system are gone (see my guide to the new classes in society for more on this). I would also be interested to see if the term "toff" is any less offensive than calling the likes of John Prescott a "serf."

But the real point is that no politicians really represent the populace in the sense that the media are driving at, especially the ones who think they do - they are never likely to. For me, there is no point in David Cameron bothering to hide the fact that he drinks champagne. There are plenty of Labour politicians who drink champagne. Plenty of socialists for that matter. Also, there are plenty of politicians who drink tea. Who cares? Who cares if a politician comes from the gutters or from a stately home? Indeed, who cares if they are gay, or black, or married with children? What if they enjoy dressing up in women’s clothing at weekends? I couldn’t care less!

If Gordon Brown was revealed to enjoy lavish swingers parties in the headlines tomorrow, it would not change my opinion of his credentials as a political leader one iota. For me, politicians are there to run the country efficiently and effectively – pure and simple. To those who are trying to be something they are not - don't bother! And to those who want to castigate privileged people simply for being privileged, please just grow up...


N.B Before I get any complaints, I would like to state categorically that I am not suggesting for a moment that Mr Brown has any such tendencies...