Sixth Form Politics Session Tuesday 7th July 2015, 9 – 10am The Conservative and Unionist Party

Structure of presentation My bio Origins of the Conservative and Unionist Party Key milestones Key figures Our values and principles today

How did I get to where I am from where you are now? Bio: Councillor Peter Hill Elected to Bracknell Town (Parish) and Bracknell Forest Council (Unitary Authority) in May 2015 University Lecturer (Assistant Professor) at Roehampton University Business School teaching economics, data analysis (maths and statistics), and project management External Examiner for BPP University Business School in the City of London for MBA and various post-graduate courses How did I get to where I am from where you are now? A-levels in Politics, Economics, Sociology and General Studies at Clitheroe Royal Grammar School (2001 – 2003) Joined the Conservative Party in 2001, first stood for election in 2007 BA (Hons) in Politics and Philosophy and Economics at Keele University (2003 – 2006) Served 3 years in the Territorial Army (Army Reserve) while at University and after MSc Public Policy and Programme Management at Bradford University (2008 – 2009) PhD Social Policy at York/Warwick University (2009 – 2016) Worked in Higher Education since 2009, but previously worked in financial services and as a political consultant

Origins of the Conservative and Unionist Party The origins of the party can be traced back to the ‘Tory’ faction that emerged in the late 17th Century The ‘Tory Party’ first took power in 1783 and stayed in power until 1830 (internal divisions led to the return of the Whigs (Liberal Party) who passed The Great Reform Act 1832 Conservative linked to writings of Edmund Burke who wrote in response to the French Revolution (the idea that political change should be gradual, calm, measured, non-dogmatic) 19th Century characterised by swing between Liberals and Tories (some major political battles over the Corn Laws, Irish Home Rule, and other issues linked to the British Empire)

Key milestones During the First World War we joined into Coalition with the Liberals (1915 – 1922) After 1922 Labour replaced the Liberals as the main opposition Between 1918 and 1945 the Conservative Party had the most seats in the House of Commons for all but 2 and a half years! World War Two we had another National Government led by Winston Churchill Post war consensus (agreement between Labour and Conservatives on the Welfare State, public ownership of certain industries, government intervention in the economy, and partnership between trade unions and employers) However, it didn’t work! Rise of Margaret Thatcher, elected Prime Minister in 1979. Agenda based around freedom and free markets, “rolling back the frontiers of the state” and emphasis on individual responsibility Conservatives lost power in 1997 but returned to power in 2010 in Coalition with the Liberal Democrats Elected with a majority in the House of Commons in May 2015

Key figures Sir Robert Peel, PM 1834 to 1835 and 1841 to 1846 Sir Winston Churchill, PM 1940 – 1945 and 1951 - 1955 Baroness Margaret Thatcher, PM 1979 - 1990 Sir John Major, PM 1990 - 1997 Sir Edward Heath, PM from 1970 – 1974 David Cameron, PM 2010 - Present

Our values and principles today We still retain Edmund Burke’s belief in gradual, calm, measured, non-dogmatic political change Freedom and individual responsibility Living within our means (reducing the deficit and paying down the UK’s national debt) Keeping taxes low (to encourage economic growth and help working people) Creating jobs (unashamedly pro-business!) Controlling immigration Delivering better public services (excellent service and value-for-money)

Your questions? www.conservatives.com For regular updates on my work ‘Like’ my Facebook page. Search for ‘Peter Hill’ Your questions? www.conservatives.com www.bracknellconservatives.org.uk peter.hill@Bracknell-forest.gov.uk