conservative Party (UK)

The Conservative and Unionist Party[5] (more commonly known as the Conservative Party) is a political party in the United Kingdom. Founded in its present form during the early 19th century, it has since been the principal centre-right party in the UK.
The Conservative Party is descended from the old Tory Party, founded in 1678, and is still often referred to as the Tory Party and its politicians, members and supporters as Tories. It added the byname Unionist in the early 20th century, following the Conservatives' alliance with that part of the Liberal Party, known as the Liberal Unionists, who opposed their party's support for Irish Home Rule.
The Conservative Party was in government for two-thirds of the 20th century. Since 2010, the party is the largest party in the House of Commons, albeit without a majority; the current party leader is Prime Minister David Cameron who governs in a coalition with the Liberal Democrats. As of 2009, it has more councillors in local government, British members of the European Parliament and members of the London Assembly than any other party.

[pic]Organisation and membership

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Share of the vote received by Conservatives (blue), Whigs/Liberals/Liberal Democrats (orange), Labour (red) and others (grey) in general elections since 1832.[6][7]

Membership declined through the 20th century, and, despite an initial boost shortly after Cameron's election as leader in December 2005, later resumed its fall in 2006 to a lower level than when he was elected. In 2006 the Conservative Party had about 290,000 members according to The Daily Telegraph.[9]
Internationally the Conservative Party is member of the International Democratic Union, and in Europe it is a member of the European Democrat Union.
History

Sir Robert Peel, twice Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and founder of the Conservative

Origins in the Whig Party

The Conservative Party traces its origins to a faction, rooted in