Conservatism

Mark Garnett

“A highly readable account of the Conservative Party which weaves together thought and practice very effectively. It confirms my view of him as one of the best scholars on the Conservative Party today. I strongly recommend it for students and the general reader alike.” – Kevin Hickson, University of Liverpool

“Vital background for anyone trying to understand how the party of Europe, morality and fiscal responsibility became the party of Brexit, Johnson and Truss.” – Kieron O’Hara, University of Southampton

“In this wide-ranging and engaging account Mark Garnett explores how the pursuit of office and changing circumstances have emptied Conservatism of ideological coherence. A frank and stimulating guide to the Conservative Party and the roots of its present discontents.” – Andrew Gamble, University of Sheffield

The nature of conservative ideology is and will continue to be warmly contested. In this short history, Mark Garnett presents an account of British conservatism which avoids the usual confusion between the ideology and the stated principles of a party which prides itself on an ability to change its views according to circumstances. He shows, since the Tory Party adopted the name “Conservative” in the 1830s it has become increasingly difficult to associate its varying positions with a coherent “conservative” position, so that it is more profitable to discuss its ideological history from the perspective of liberalism and nationalism.