Paper 1: Conservative party

Traditional

Can trace its origins to late 17 century from aristocracy who wanted to defend crown privileges, CofE and land owners. Threat of revolution and Peel helped shape party to wish to conserve established institutions.

One nation

Disraeli didn’t want to split nation to lower class and upper class, industrial rev and paternalism. “Natural leaders” in society and need for social reform. Brit empire.

Thatcherism and new right

Rising challenges from trade unions, Thatcher wanted to “roll back the state” and individual self responsibility. Social conservatism and economic liberalism combine. Free market economics, reduce state intervention and taxes whilst privatising industries. Tough law and order.

Post-Thatcher and Cameron

Softened image while retaining core market-oriented principles. DC party embraced more centrist, compassionate approach known as liberal conservatism. Retain certain Thatcherite stances such as free markets but combined with socially liberal stances like supporting same-sex marriage and environmental policies

Key ideologies

Ecconomics: Limit public spending and over-spending (austerity) and lower taxes
Law and order: Traditionally tough but inconsistent due to spending cuts

Welfare: Reduce public spending so individuals self reliant, benefits for pensioners protected

Foreign affairs: British soverignty and control, tougher immigration

Case studies

Austerity, covid public spending rise 45%, 2 child benefit cap, UC (replaced 6 other types of benefit,) police crime sentencing and courts act 2022 (increase police power during protests,) Brexit, Rwanda asylum scheme, HS2 railway, same sex marriage