If your community is pretty secure with lots of 'human capital' (the ability to make money from knowledge and education) then you're deeply invested in the system. Change threatens your class interest. The professional politician today focuses on policies that suit educated middle class people, like free tertiary education, Kiwibuild homes for middle class couples (not social housing), banning shopping bags and, 'well we have to compromise somewhere so it should be on tax!'

Josie argues for reclaiming working class politics from right wing populists here.