Disillusionment with politicians and established political parties has been growing in democratic countries for some time. Politicians are increasingly seen as venal. Some are incompetent and ignorant. Many are often arrogant and conceited. But we cannot do without them.

Anyone with experience of autocratic regimes knows that it is better to live in a country, where we can choose freely the politicians to run our government even if the politicians we elect leave much to be desired.

Long established parties may well need reform and renewal. But new parties, which base their appeal on extreme positions or populist pressures, can threaten the continuance of our democratic systems.