Who would be a local politician? Holding yourself up for the ultimate personality contest, sitting up all night in a draughty community centre after weeks of canvassing in the cold isn't the ideal career opportunity.

You wouldn't stand for the money: councillor ‘expenses' are set so low you would be embarrassed to call them a salary, while the hours are endless. It's not for the appreciation, and one can only assume it is not for the camaraderie.