Conservative Party (UK)

The Conservative and Unionist Party is a major political force in the United Kingdom. It is often called the Conservative Party or colloquially as the Tories. On the left-right political spectrum, the party sits on the centre-right to the right-wing. It is one of two dominant parties that shape British politics. The other main group is the Labour Party. Following the 2024 general election, the Conservatives became the second-largest party. They hold a formal role known as His Majesty's Most Loyal Opposition.

The party is made up of several different ideological factions. These include one-nation conservatives, traditionalists, and Thatcherites. While they share a party name, these groups may hold different views. A core belief of the party is British unionism. This means they oppose the independence of Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland. They also oppose a united Ireland. Historically, the party supported the maintenance of the British Empire. In terms of defense, they support NATO membership and an independent nuclear weapons programme.

The party's origins are linked to the Tory Party. Some historians also point to "Independent Whigs" from the 1780s. These people were followers of William Pitt the Younger. The word "Tory" was once an insult. It came from a Middle Irish word meaning outlaw or robber. The name "Conservative" was suggested by J. Wilson Croker in 1830. Robert Peel is recognized as the party's founder. He established it around 1834 through the Tamworth Manifesto. By 1845, "Conservative Party" became the most common name.

During the 19th century, the party had to adapt to new voting laws. Leaders like the Earl of Derby and Benjamin Disraeli helped the party reach more people. In 1886, the party merged with the Liberal Unionist Party. This created the formal Conservative and Unionist Party. This merger happened because of disagreements over political unions. Throughout the early 20th century, the party's rivalry with Labour grew. The First World War changed the party's direction. It helped the party focus on patriotism and anti-socialism. This was a response to the rising strength of the Labour Party.

After the Second World War, the party faced a new political landscape. In 1945, the Conservatives lost a landslide election to the Labour Party. However, they returned to power in the 1951 general election. During this time, the party accepted much of the post-war welfare state. This period was called the "post-war consensus." It lasted until the 1970s. Leaders like Harold Macmillan were closely associated with this era. The party also worked to modernize its local organizations. This helped them rebuild membership and funding.

In the 1980s, the party's economic approach changed significantly. Since that decade, the party has generally favored liberal economic policies. These policies focus on free markets. This shift is often linked to the era of Margaret Thatcher. Her leadership style is known as Thatcherism. Historically, the party had supported protectionism instead. Since the 2016 EU referendum, the party has also changed its target voters. It has worked to reach working-class voters in areas that used to support Labour.

The Conservatives have a long history of leadership. They have produced 20 different prime ministers. David Cameron led the party starting in 2005 and sought to modernize it. The party governed the United Kingdom from 2010 until 2024. During this time, five different prime ministers held office. This included leaders like David Cameron and Rishi Sunak. Although the party was very successful in the 20th century, its support has declined recently. In the 2024 election, the party reached its lowest vote share ever.