Guide Note

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.

Fast Facts

1. Also known as: The Conservative and Unionist Party
2. Founded: 1834
3. Headquarters: London, England
4. Official colors: Blue and green
5. Political position: Moderately conservative
6. Current leader: David Cameron (Leader of the Opposition)
7. Preceding parties: The Tory Party
8. Largest party in terms of public membership
9. Oldest continuing political party in the United Kingdom
10. Most successful election victories in British history

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

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.