David Starkey is a well-known historian and commentator in the UK who regularly uses politics and culture to examine historical and modern issues. Among his noteworthy observations is a critique of the contemporary approach to public service, emphasizing how business-oriented philosophies have eclipsed the traditional values associated with serving the community.

Political parties of all stripes, according to Starkey, now put corporate values ahead of the general welfare. This change suggests that efficiency and profit-driven goals are becoming more valued than offering citizens fair and efficient services. Politicians may be applying a one-size-fits-all business model to areas that need compassionate and nuanced governance, much like a carpenter who uses a hammer for every task rather than selecting the appropriate tool for each job.

According to this viewpoint, public service used to entail prioritizing people and concentrating on welfare, healthcare, education, and other crucial societal needs. It appears that the focus has now shifted to attaining growth and financial efficiency at all costs, occasionally at the expense of citizens' quality of life.

Starkey's observation is a criticism of contemporary governance and its propensity to embrace corporate ideals without taking into account whether they are suitable for use in a public sector setting. He contends that this change may result in the loss of the moral and ethical pillars that served as the foundation for public service in the first place. It's similar to using saltwater to water plants; although it may appear effective at first, it eventually damages the very life it's intended to support.

This commentary challenges readers to think about the real purpose of public service and its effects on those who depend on it, reflecting larger worries about how society strikes a balance between social responsibility and economic pragmatism.