What is it about the arts that frightens our politicians?

There is nothing elitist about loving the high arts, writes David Lister. Perhaps a trip to the opera could teach Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer a thing or two

Theatre and opera can change your life (AP)

The late Denis Healey famously said that all politicians should have a “hinterland”. The former Labour chancellor and deputy leader certainly had a hinterland. He played the piano, was passionate about poetry and loved art and literature.

Rishi Sunak’s hinterland is harder to discern. Though it doesn’t quite pass the Healey test, he was pictured recently at a Test, watching the Ashes at Lord’s. Keir Starmer turns up at Arsenal from time to time. Theresa May was a keen walker. Boris Johnson – well, his hinterlands are perhaps best left unexplored.

It does seem that our leaders are happy to show themselves at sporting events, happy to engage in sporting recreations, happy to fly the flag at the odd movie premiere or pop concert. But when did you last see a prime minister at the opera or theatre, let alone boasting about their attendance?