THE result of the Makerfield by-election was not known as we went to press this week, but one thing was certain: whoever was elected would almost certainly prefer not to be known as a “career politician”. Asked on BBC1’s Question Time this month how politicians could restore trust and confidence, the Reform UK candidate, Robert Kenyon, a plumber, drew applause when he replied: “A big move away from career politicians would certainly help, and having normal people involved in politics.” The Mayor of Manchester, Andy Burnham, the Labour candidate, could well be described as a career politician — after university, he worked as an MP’s researcher, a parliamentary lobbyist, and a government special adviser, before being elected to Parliament and rising to a seat in the Cabinet. His campaign videos, however, make every effort to portray him as a “normal” man of the people: dressed in black T-shirt and casual jacket, he can be seen drinking beer with fellow fans of Everton FC, and talking about his love of Manchester music.

There are reasons to question the growing disdain — particularly among the populist Right — for “career politicians”. It is valuable for parliamentarians to bring knowledge and experience from other professions, such as the law, health care, and, yes, plumbing. But those who enter the House of Commons, having been, say, local councillors or parliamentary researchers, have learned much that is useful about the processes and dynamics of politics: for example, how to scrutinise legislation; how to negotiate policy trade-offs; and how to persuade their allies and their political opponents of their ideas, as well as win over the public.

Parallels can be drawn with the priesthood. Many parishes appreciate an incumbent who is approachable and “normal”; and time spent in secular professions brings transferable skills and an understanding of the everyday lives of the laity. But ordained ministry also requires a level of professionalism: in preaching, in leading worship well, and in carrying out administrative tasks, to name but a few. Such skills are not acquired automatically, from on high, which is why people are not simply given the cure of souls without a period of discernment and then training. To be recommended, candidates, besides showing appropriate humility, will need to have demonstrated a level of commitment to their parish church which is sacrificial and not necessarily “normal”. This bears similarities to those who work in local politics before entering Parliament: long evening meetings, managing volunteers, time spent in the community passing on their message. Such experience builds the resilience and skills that are needed to fulfil a vocation, be it in politics or the Church.