Politicians: does anyone remember the days when they were largely treated with deference, if not outright obsequiousness ?

[WildRosie]

Or are we on here too young for that ? Apparently, Robin Day was a pioneer in interviewing Cabinet Ministers et al in the same way as he would speak with the man on the street, so to speak. Not rude but not fawning either - just dead straight, but demanding. I understand there was a time when the public were expected to be a 'grateful nation' as far as Governments were concerned. It's hard to imagine now.

I don't know, I think a lot people still are pretty deferential when it comes to politicians, at least those politicians from a public school background. So many ordinary Brits genuinely think the Eton lot are their betters.

I guess it would be the older generation - 80 plus, perhaps - who would be more likely to put their trust in MPs nowadays.

It must have come as an uncomfortable culture shock for Margaret Thatcher when she was cross-examined by that tenacious lady over the sinking of the Belgrano in 1982 or 83, whenever it was. She must have been badly advised to take part in a Q&A whose blunt nature she wasn't prepared for.

Saw your thread title and immediately thought of how revolutionary Robin Day was considered to be. I do vaguely recall his interviews …

There was greater deference, yes - but Westminster scandals - spying, compromising contact with prostitution, murder - were all still presented with glee, for our rapt entertainment.