Brian Jenner’s article, though mildly entertaining, appears to follow that perennial approach of cynicism towards politics (and politicians). I have political ambitions. These are based on a sense duty, of wanting to make a difference, and above all, to make peoples’ lives better. By the way, I am state-educated and my mum is not best pleased about my political aspirations. I am reminded of that question at medical school interviews that no school leaver wanted to answer – why do you want to be a doctor? Candidates would squirm and mumble something about “wanting to help people” to which the interviewer would curtly reply “why not become a plumber then?” A ‘good’ candidate responded by reaffirming the same goal. The point was (and is) that it is an admirable aspiration to want to help people, however tough that undertaking might be. Ironically, cynicism is often the easiest option.