THE CONSERVATIVE AND UNIONIST PARTY: THE LONGEST CONTINUOUSLY ACTIVE POLITICAL PARTY IN THE WORLD
The Conservative and Unionist Party has deep roots in British political life, with origins in the Tory tradition and a modern form that took shape in the nineteenth century. Today, under Kemi Badenoch’s leadership, we are rebuilding as His Majesty’s Opposition: listening, learning, and setting out a credible Conservative alternative for the country.
Conservatives have formed Governments and coalition Governments at many critical moments in our national story. When out of Government, we have served by holding Ministers to account and offering practical alternatives. We remain committed to responsible government, strong public services, and a society in which enterprise, aspiration, family, community and national responsibility are valued.
That means supporting the National Health Service as a service available to all, free at the point of use, while being honest that reform is needed to ensure patients receive faster, more reliable care. It also means protecting a sustainable welfare system that helps those who need support while restoring fairness for those who work hard and pay in.
We did not always take positions that stood the test of time. We opposed the first Parliamentary Reform Act of 1832, but we later supported and drove through the crucial Franchise Reform Act of 1867, inspired by Benjamin Disraeli’s passion and oratory.
Our record and our renewal
We officially became the Unionist Party in the late 1800s and have since steadfastly supported the integrity of the United Kingdom.
The First World War made it urgent to give the vote to every adult man, because so many had fought in the war. This was done for those aged 21 and over. Women were also enfranchised at the age of 30, and then at 21 in 1928. Conservatives supported all these moves and gained great support from women and working people. We provided most Governments from 1918 to 1945.
During the 1930s and 40s, Labour made great strides among the intellectual classes by promoting the idea of a “scientifically based” system of government that would eliminate all inequality and deliver substantial economic gains. Thus, they won a landslide in 1945.
The next six years proved that “scientific” socialism is too rigid, too full of “orthodoxies”, and too restrictive of independent activity and thought outside the reach of the bureaucracy that state socialism has to create.
Thus, we won in 1952, and scientific socialism was set aside, apart from a brief outing under Jeremy Corbyn.
After the 2024 General Election, the Conservatives are no longer in Government. Our task now is to renew the Party, rebuild trust, and demonstrate that Conservative principles can meet today’s challenges: a stronger economy, lower taxes where affordable, cheaper and more secure energy, safer streets, controlled public spending, and opportunities for young people.
Personal tax rates have plummeted from a top rate of well over 90% in the ‘50s and ‘60s to 45% today, while the basic rate, which was 33% in the ‘60s, is now 20%. Also, the EU-mandated Value Added Tax can be used far more sensitively after 31 December 2020.
The Conservative Party has had four women as Leader: Margaret Thatcher, Theresa May, Liz Truss and, currently, Kemi Badenoch. That record reflects a Party that, at its best, advances people on merit, conviction and ability.
We do what the times demand – we are pragmatic and realistic.
In opposition, we must be candid about where previous Conservative Governments succeeded and where we fell short. We should defend the achievements worth defending, learn from mistakes, and focus on the future: growth, sound money, secure borders, energy resilience, strong defence, better schools, safer communities, and public services that work for the people who rely on them.
Conservatives respect others’ opinions.
We have always encompassed a range of Conservative traditions: One Nation Conservatives, economic liberals, Thatcherites, social conservatives, localists and Unionists. That breadth is a strength when matched by discipline, seriousness and a shared commitment to the United Kingdom.
This is why openness, debate and renewal matter. We welcome new members and supporters who want to help shape a serious Conservative alternative for Holborn and St Pancras, London and the country. Visit our Community and Get Involved pages to explore joining the Holborn and St Pancras Conservative Association and to share your insights on the issues that matter now.