To belong to a party--Liberal, Unionist, or Labour--and to criticise its policy, or differ from its leaders, is resented as impertinence.

The machine is master of the man.

A troublesome and dangerous critic is commonly bought or silenced.

He is given office in the Government, or rewarded with a legal appointment; perhaps made a peer if his tastes are in that direction.

A critic who cannot command a considerable backing among the electorate will probably be driven out of public life.