The Tamworth Manifesto and Conservative rebrand

What year was it produced?

1835

Why did Peel create it?

The general election was on the horizon and he needed to appeal to the new wave of middle class voters franchised by the 1832 Great Reform Act.

How did the Manifesto rebrand the tories into the Conservatives?

It confirmed that the party would not undo the reforms introduced by the 1832 Great Reform Act and that they would be open to moderate reforms so long as they would benefit the nation and address “real grievances”

Who was Peel’s election manager during this time?

Bonham

What two major changes did Bonham introduce to rebrand the tory party into the conservatives and how did they achieve this?

Parliamentary whips (party cohesion)
Carlton clubs (local party meetings)

How did Peel improve the image of his party leading up to the election?

He would attend every PMQ and tear the Whig administration to shreds. This showed competence and unity in his party, something the Whigs lacked.