Are the poor the most qualified to represent their interests within the policymaking process?

Undoubtedly. Being poor doesn't make you unintelligent or without reasoning facilities. Each person, whatever their financial situation, knows what they need to live and what they would like to make their lives more comfortable, and they know the difference between the two. Poor people don't protest changes in policy such as welfare cuts, taxes on second bedrooms or unfair tests on disability benefits claimants because they are lazy - it's because they are in need. It is often discovered that the people in government who vote to make these cuts are themselves millionaires, own several homes, or claim vast expenses from the government to cover chauffeured cars, wine and champagne in the Commons bar, or decorating their second London home. It's not fair that people like this should decide what other people deserve or need.