Which is why nearly every politician will talk up any working class story they have And it might explain why Freebie Gate has hurt Starmer’s popularity: never mind the rules, it shatters the illusion that the “son of a toolmaker” is like the rest of us www.thetimes.com/article/ea94...

Why do politicians keep insisting they are working class?

The “working class” identity has had a resurgence, from 23 per cent to 46 per cent — its highest level since before the 1980s

My take is that it seems to suggest that the financial demands on top politicians are essentially unaffordable on the salary and benefits that are provided, requiring people to be independently wealthy in order to avoid the need for donations.

Is that because the rest of us are virtuous and would just say no to such enticements?