This has a long tradition on the left (it may also apply on the right, but I haven't studied it as closely)

Common to all elitist political groups I think. Look at the Night of the Long Knives or the machinations around the formation of the Lloyd-George Cabinet. I do think though that it's more ingrained on the Left. To quote Brecht:

We who hoped that we could create a basis for friendliness
Never could be friendly ourselves