What is conservatism?
Conservatism is a political philosophy that values tradition, stability and established institutions, and prefers gradual change over radical reform. Conservatives usually support free markets, strong defence, law and order and national identity. In the UK it is most closely linked with the Conservative Party, which grew out of the Tories.
Modern conservatism is often traced to Edmund Burke, who criticised the French Revolution in 1790. He argued that society is a partnership between the living, the dead and the unborn. Institutions like the monarchy, the church and the law carry wisdom built up over generations. So they should be reformed with care rather than torn down. Burke also stressed duty, property and the rule of law.
British conservatism has several strands. One Nation conservatism, linked to Benjamin Disraeli, stresses social unity and duties to the poor. Thatcherism in the 1980s combined free markets, privatisation and lower taxes with a strong state on crime and defence. Other conservatives put more stress on nation, family, faith or community. Fiscal conservatives focus above all on balanced budgets, low taxes and a smaller state.
The Conservative Party has been in government more than any other party since 1900, most recently from 2010 to 2024. It lost heavily at the 2024 general election. Conservative ideas also shape other parties, and debates within the right now include immigration, the European Convention on Human Rights and net zero. Its future direction is hotly debated among members and MPs.
Where you've seen it
Post-war one nation Conservative governments in the UK, Christian Democratic parties in Europe, and many centre right parties worldwide.
In the UK today
The Conservative Party carries its name, but you also see it in debates on the monarchy, national identity, policing, the family and resistance to rapid constitutional change.
The left argues conservatism protects existing privilege and inequality and is too slow to tackle problems like poverty and climate change.
Conservatives argue their approach protects freedom, family and national institutions, and avoids the damage of sudden, untested reforms.
Britain is split. Now you decide.
In Population Decides you can take the matching quiz to see how close your views are to the Conservatives and other parties.
Play Population Decides freeCommon questions
What do conservatives believe?
Usually tradition, gradual change, free markets, strong defence, law and order and national identity.
Why are Conservatives called Tories?
Tory was an old insult for 17th century supporters of the Crown, and the name stuck to the party.
What is One Nation conservatism?
A strand that stresses social unity and the duty of the better off to help the less fortunate.
What kind of change do conservatives usually prefer?
Gradual change. Conservatism prefers gradual rather than revolutionary change.
Which thinker helped inspire conservatism?
Edmund Burke. Conservatism is inspired by thinkers like Edmund Burke, who was sceptical of grand plans to remake society.