UK party leader defends his privileged background

Mr. David Cameron, leader of the British Conservatives party. File photo: AP.

The leader of Britain’s opposition Conservatives - long considered the party of the wealthy and privileged - has defended his affluent background as he set out his beliefs ahead of a general election.

In an opinion article in Saturday’s Daily Telegraph newspaper, Mr. David Cameron says his mother, a magistrate, taught him the importance of public service and that “life was about more than making money.”

The 43-year-old Mr. Cameron, who attended elite Eton College and Oxford University, has often been called out about his upbringing. Detractors have suggested it leaves him out of touch with voters.

But Mr. Cameron writes he is proud of his family and admires its values.

A national election is expected in Britain in early May.