Housing is the new political catnip. If in need of a picture for your next manifesto, don a hi-viz vest, collect your hard hat and head for the nearest residential building site. 

Get snapped pointing at a pile of bricks looking wistful while, at the same time,  opining at the lack of available properties for first-time buyers.

It would seem that the new bogie man – or woman – is no longer an estate agent, journalist or expense fiddling MPs. It’s the UK housebuilder. They are apparently to blame for the housing shortage.