This is "they're all the same" put into an allegory. The same point stands imo as when anyone says they're all the same, they aren't - that's what people want you to think because you're less likely to vote them out if you think nothing will change. Apathetic voters then don't vote and it's about those that they can swing, I.e the best budget/PR team wins.
My experience of dealing with labour councillors and labour MPs in Stockton north and Stockton south have all gone well, meetings set up, progress updates and the like. As such I support them because they've worked on my behalf.
My experience of the Tory alternatives has not been good. Emails unanswered, blocked on social media when I've challenged information (I did this with labour as well and had debate instead).
If I'd interacted with the Tory's first I could have said they're all the same and stopped voting, but every councillor and MP is different and it's worth contacting them to get your issues across. If my councillor was useless I would complain, likewise MP. I don't vote blindly. I did complain about a labour councillor who seemed totally disinterested at a residents meeting, he was a standin for the usual councillor and when he came back he sorted everything out.
Imo that other councillor was a bit rubbish but again if only dealt with him, I could say they're all the same and stop chasing things up. But they aren't - you couldn't pay me enough to be a councillor, the "pay" allowance is rubbish for the work you end up putting in, and you get dogs abuse on social media and have to deal with petty local squabbles between parties constantly.
Easier ways to make that money 100%
Long story short, they're not all the same, interact with your politicians to decide their worth and if you're not happy with them people fought for your right to vote so use it and don't complain if you don't and you get the same again.