Author Description

The Conservative Party has been a dominant force in post-war politics, shaping and responding to fundamental changes in society, the economy, and Britain's place in the world. This book explores the fifty years from Winston Churchill's landslide defeat in 1945 to the long tenure of power under Margaret Thatcher and John Major in the 1980s and 90s. Despite an impressive record of electoral success, the Conservatives have faced many difficulties since 1945, with divisions over leadership, crises in government, and frustrations in opposition. The documents included illuminate the changing nature, outlook and policies of the Conservative Party. The themes and events of the period are brought vividly to life through the views and reactions of those involved, from the party leaders to the local rank and file. The extracts have been selected from a wide range of sources and include previously unpublished papers from the conservative party's own archive.