Conservative Party

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See Scottish Conservative Party for additional information about the Conservative Party in Scotland.

See Welsh Conservative Party for additional information about the Conservative Party in Wales.

The Conservative and Unionist Party, more commonly known as the Conservatives, the Conservative Party, or Tory Party is a conservative political party in the United Kingdom. Founded in its present form during the early 19th century, it has since been the principal party of the political right in Britain, and it is the oldest political party in the world.

The Conservative Party is descended from the Tory Party, founded in 1678, and is still often referred to as the Tory Party and its politicians, members and supporters as Tories. It was also known as the Unionist Party 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 twentieth century but after losing the 1997 election to the Labour Party, as the second largest political party in terms of sitting members of parliament, it formed the opposition. The current party leader is David Cameron, who acts as the leader of the opposition and heads the shadow cabinet. In 2009 it has the largest number of councillors sitting in local government.

In the months between October and December 2008 the Conservative Party received £5.1 million in donations but is £12.0 million in debt.