So you are saying perhaps some politicians do start out idealistic/well-meaning but become corrupted by the nature of it? That's possible.
Michael Portillo, involved in a few things, but a non executive director at BAE systems a defence contractor. Does he have a background in weapons systems or aerospace? There is a hidden corruption when politicians retire from politics and suddenly receive board level positions that are not much work, that they are not qualified for, but are hired on good money as an 'adviser'. Portillo then years later is on the board of an oil/exploration firm. He must have some qualifications in that too? Hmmm. And Portillo is probably one of the better ones. Ed Balls was one of many politicians involved in expenses scandals, using expenses claims to pay for second homes with some very large amounts involved. He managed to get away with it. As I mentioned before, they use the system for their own wealth benefit. I remember a company I worked for, and if you had to work after 8pm, they would pay for your dinner. And if you had to work after 11:30 pm, they would pay for a car to drive you home. That was policy. Some people abused it a bit, started work much later and stayed later more than they needed to, which was against the spirit of the policy. Others used the benefit appropriately/occasionally/when necessary. But despite some abusing it, that was a private company who has made a policy decision. They make their own money and decide how they want to spend it on benefits etc. In the case of government, there is huge moral difference in that it is other people's tax money you are using/abusing. It isn't to be used so someone can have a second house and retire early. Your job isn't to set up commissions that cost taxpayers millions and give jobs to your friends so that later on when you leave politics your friends can return the favour and give you a cushy job on a board advising. It does make me angry as you can tell.
"What can anyone do about it?" Yes not much. Maybe leave. That's my idea and some friends also want to leave the country. Try to escape the system. Unfortunately the system doesn't want people to leave, so will make it increasingly hard. They will keep adjusting (increasing) taxes and inflation so that the lower class and the middle class have very little way to escape. They can 'just about' get by, just about save a little money, but things like owning a home will disappear for many of them, and has for quite a long time. Those who already escaped the system and aren't forced to work to live can do just fine I suppose.
That's one of the few things I consider efficient about government. The system keeps people locked into an education from ages 4-16 or maybe older. Doesn't give them a useful education, most of it is a waste of time. Then keeps most people trapped in working for 40+ years in a job. If you are lucky you have some freedom in what type of job and maybe can earn well, but still most people will have to work that length of time (approx.), and others have very little freedom in their job opportunities. Retirement age will get pushed back again and again. It is ruthlessly efficient in this sense, but that isn't just a UK issue.