I have been puzzling for some time whether I am a member of Matt Goodwin's new elite which is apparently calling the shots in the country although we have a Conservative Government. I can't say I feel very powerful: after all, I was on the losing side of Brexit. I drive a 08 registration car, often shop in Tesco and support two unfashionable football clubs (Charlton and Leamington).
One of the criteria for membership is an elite education at a Russell Group university. I went to Leicester, Strathclyde and Exeter. But I did teach at Warwick for over 40 years so I have given myself a score of 0.5 on that one.
The new elite, we are told, has shifted behind left-leaning parties. I did join the Labour Party once Corbyn had gone so I suppose I score 1.0 there.
Apparently new elite members are descended from the professional and managerial classes. I was the first person in my family to go to university. My father was a carriage and wagon fitter and my mother was a hairdresser. 0.0
There is a new epistemic class which filters what is desirable or not in the national conversation. I can't recall ever having much influence on anything, except possibly the wider use of biological controls as an alternative to chemical pesticides. 0.0
As for galleries, I am an active supporter of Compton Verney here in Warwickshire, but have no say on exhibitions policy. 0.0
The new elite live in enclaves in affluent or trendy districts in London or university towns. Leamington Spa could count as a university town, but the really rich people here are associated with the Silicon Spa games industry. I bought my house when it was far less fashionable. 0.5
Likely to marry members of tthe elite graduate class. My late wife was a graduate and taught in a CFE. My current partner left school at 16 and worked her way up in the oil and gas industries to middle management. 0.5
So 2.5 out of 7. I don't think I qualify.
