The Conservative Party Conference is a major annual event for the Conservative Party in the United Kingdom, bringing together party members, politicians, supporters, and media. As the governing party of the UK, the Conservative conference carries significant influence in shaping government policy and the political landscape. This comprehensive guide provides key details on the concept, leadership, parliamentary presence, history, and role of the Conservative Party Conference.
What Is the Conservative Party Conference?
The Conservative Party Conference, also known as the Tory Party Conference, is an annual gathering of the Conservative Party in the United Kingdom. It brings together party delegates, MPs, members, supporters, pressure groups, charities, think tanks, businesses, and media for a week-long conference focused on party policy, campaigns, organizations, and leadership elections.
The conference provides an important opportunity for the party to establish policies, motivate members, connect with voters, and gain media exposure. Major speeches are delivered by senior party figures like the Party Leader, Chancellor, Home Secretary, and Foreign Secretary. The scale of the event is immense, attracting over 14,000 delegates and 2,000 media representatives.
Who Is the Current Conservative Party Leader?
The current Conservative Party Leader and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom is Rishi Sunak. He was elected to the role in October 2022, succeeding Liz Truss who served the shortest premiership in British history at just 44 days in office.
Rishi Sunak first became a Member of Parliament (MP) in 2015. He rose quickly through the Conservative ranks, serving as Chief Secretary to the Treasury from 2019 to 2020 and Chancellor of the Exchequer from 2020 to 2022. His tenure as Chancellor was defined by administering the economic response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Born in Southampton to immigrant parents from India, Rishi Sunak attended Winchester College and later Oxford University. Before politics, he pursued a career in business and finance working for companies like Goldman Sachs. At just 42 years old, he is the youngest British Prime Minister in over 200 years.
How Many Conservative MPs Are There Currently?
As of September 2022, there are 358 Conservative Members of Parliament (MPs) in the House of Commons. This makes them the single largest political party with a majority government.
However, the Conservatives have been losing parliamentary seats in recent elections. In the 2019 general election under Boris Johnson’s leadership, they secured 365 seats. But defeats in by-elections and the loss of the Tiverton and Honiton constituency in 2022 have since reduced their majority in the 650-seat House of Commons.
Nevertheless, the Conservative dominance of the Commons still dwarfs the Labour Party’s 198 MPs. The Scottish National Party holds 45 seats, making them the third-largest party. Smaller parties like the Liberal Democrats and the DUP hold just 13 and 8 seats respectively.
When and How Was the Conservative Party Formed?
The Conservative Party was formed in 1834, originally emerging as the Tory Party in the late 17th century. The term “Tory” derives from a Middle Irish word for an outlaw and was initially a pejorative. The modern Conservatives trace their roots back to influential figures like Robert Peel, Benjamin Disraeli, and later Winston Churchill.
Some key events in the party’s formation history include:
- 1830s – The Tory Party evolved into the Conservative Party over tensions regarding the Great Reform Act of 1832. Sir Robert Peel exerted major influence as the newly formed party’s first leader.
- 1846-1851 – The party split over the repeal of the Corn Laws trade tariffs. Peel’s faction, known as the Peelites, supports free trade while protectionists remain as Conservatives.
- 1868-1902 – Under Benjamin Disraeli’s leadership, the party pursued progressive “One Nation” conservatism and expanded voting rights. The modern party identity consolidated during this period.
- 1895-1935 – Coalitions are formed with the Liberal Unionists and National Liberals as class differences erode strict two-party alignment in Britain.
- 1940s – The Conservatives joined Winston Churchill’s wartime coalition government and then went on to dominate the post-war political scene.
What Is the Role of the Conservative Party Conference?
The annual Conservative Party Conference fulfills several key roles:
- Policy Formation – Debating and voting on proposals that shape the party’s direction and next general election manifesto.
- Campaign Planning – Strategizing for upcoming elections and organizing volunteers and resources.
- Party Management – Handling internal party business, rules, membership, finances, and structural organization.
- Leadership Contests – Holding competitive elections between candidates for party leader when the position is vacant.
- Base Engagement – Motivating and energizing party members through high-profile speeches and networking events.
- Media Exposure – Generating national broadcast and press coverage of major announcements and political positioning.
- Business Lobbying – Allowing companies and pressure groups to connect with ministers and influence policy.
By bringing all the key elements of the party together in one place annually, the conference provides a vital hub for the Conservatives to flex political muscle and chart their path forward.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Conservative Party Conference
Where is the Conservative Party Conference held?
The conference venue rotates between major cities in the UK. In 2022 it was held in Birmingham, and the upcoming 2023 location is Manchester.
When is the Conservative Party Conference held?
It is held annually in late September or early October and lasts 3-4 days. The 2022 conference took place from October 2-5.
Who can attend the Conservative conference?
Attendance requires Conservative membership and registration. The event is open to delegates, MPs, lords, pressure groups, charities, think tanks, businesses, academics, and media.
What happens at the conference?
Major events include speeches, debates, votes, panel discussions, receptions, and exhibitions. The Leader’s speech is the highlight. Policy is debated and the party mandate is shaped.
How many people attend the conference?
Attendance is normally 12,000-14,000 delegates plus around 2,000 media representatives. Additional fringe events expand participation.
In summary, the annual Conservative Party Conference is a vital fixture in the UK political calendar. It brings together all sections of the party to establish policy directions, motivate members, plan campaigns, manage internal affairs, engage media, and rally around the leadership. With Rishi Sunak as the new Prime Minister, the 2023 conference is sure to entail vigorous political debate regarding the party’s vision and strategy going forward.