Are Conservatives more selfish than their left-wing rivals?

In his new book ‘What’s in it for me?’, Thomas Prosser takes a closer look at why scathing views of the Tories persist

Low-income voters have been attracted to Johnsonian conservatism (Getty)

Is there some society you know that doesn’t run on greed? You think Russia doesn’t run on greed? You think China doesn’t run on greed? What is greed? Of course, none of us are greedy, it’s only the other fellow who’s greedy. The world runs on individuals pursuing their separate interests.” – Milton Friedman

Conservatives are bastards. This kind of verdict, often phrased in fruitier language, has long been accepted wisdom among sections of the left; the rise of social media and Jeremy Corbyn merely pronounced this trend. Such assertions reflect the conviction that conservatives are selfish. Critics point to the long-standing association between the Conservative Party and the rich, leading to policies which are favourable to wealthier citizens. Aside from claims that the Conservatives are more likely to introduce tax cuts and deregulation, many go further; on social media, there are allegations that the Conservatives wish to privatise the NHS or purge the poor with Covid-19.