The Conservative Party is a moderately-conservative political party active in England, Scotland, and Wales. Directly descended from the historic Tory Party, the Conservative Party is the oldest political party in the United Kingdom. It is currently the second largest political party in the UK next to the Labour Party.
Tory Evolution
The Conservative Party is still commonly referred to as the Tory Party, in reference to the historic party formed in 1678. By the early 1700s, the original Tories had effectively disbanded. But the political party which formed behind William Pitt re-adopted the Tory name after Pitt died in 1806. This reincarnated of the Tory Party would continue to gain popularity and rename itself The Conservative Party in 1834
Margaret Thatcher and Beyond
Between 1979 and 1990, the Conservative Party's Margaret Thatcher was Prime Minister. Her leadership was initially popular, but came to be intensely distrusted by much of the population due to high rates of unemployment and great social turmoil during her term. Thatcher's unpopularity would negatively affect public perception of the Conservative Party as a whole for years to come.
The Conservative Party - Key Personnel
- David Cameron
- Guardian Unlimited: David Cameron's Leadership Victory Speech (2005)
- Wikipedia: David Cameron Overview
In History
- John Major
- Wikipedia: John Major Overview
- Margaret Thatcher
- Wikipedia: Margaret Thatcher Overview
- Harold Macmillan
- Wikipedia: Harold Macmillan Overview
- Winston Churchill
- Wikipedia: Winston Churchill Overview
References
Fast Facts
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Also known as
The Conservative and Unionist Party
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Founded
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Headquarters
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Official colors
Blue and green
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Political position
Moderately conservative
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Current leader
David Cameron (Leader of the Opposition)
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Preceding parties
The Tory Party
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Fact:
Largest party in terms of public membership
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Fact:
Oldest continuing political party in the United Kingdom
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Fact:
Most successful election victories in British history
