Conservative Thinkers : The Key Contributors to the Political Thought of the Modern Conservative Party

This book outlines and evaluates the political thought of the Conservative Party through a detailed examination of its principal thinkers from Harold Macmillan to the present. Traditionally, the Conservative Party has been regarded as a vote-gathering machine rather than a vehicle for ideas. This book redresses the balance through a series of biographical essays examining the thought of those who have contributed most to the development of ideas within the party. The chapters benefit from archival research and interviews with leading Conservatives. The recent revival of Conservative fortunes makes the book particularly timely. The book begins with an introductory chapter explaining the role of ideology in the Conservative Party. It then traces the political thought of the Conservative Party through its principal theorists since the 1930s. These are Harold Macmillan, R. A. Butler, Quintin Hogg, Enoch Powell, Angus Maude, Keith Joseph, the ‘traditionalists’ (Maurice Cowling, T. E. ‘Peter’ Utley, Peregrine Worsthorne, Shirley Letwin and Roger Scruton), Ian Gilmour, John Redwood and David Willetts. The book concludes with an overall assessment of the political thought of the Conservative Party and the relevance of past debates for contemporary Conservatism. The book will be of considerable interest to academics and non-academics alike; for those who have a special interest in the Conservative Party but also for any student of contemporary British Politics. Copyright Page 5 Contents 6 Acknowledgements 7 Introduction 8 1 Harold Macmillan 15 2 Rab Butler and the One Nation Group 29 3 Quintin Hogg, Lord Hailsham 47 4 Enoch Powell 64 5 Angus Maude 80 6 Keith Joseph 98 7 The traditionalists 112 8 Ian Gilmour and the wets 128 9 John Redwood 147 10 David Willetts 162 Conclusion 176 Bibliography 186 Index 194 This text presents a comprehensive study of all Conservative Party leadership elections since 1965, but with particular reference to the most recent leadership transitions of 2001, 2003 and 2005. It evaluates David Cameron's subsequent performance as Conservative leader and the extent of his mandate for 'modernisation' Includes chapters on Harold Macmillan; Rab Butler and the One Nation Group; Quintin Hogg, Lord Hailsham; Enoch Powell; Angus Maude; Keith Joseph; the Traditionalists; Ian Gilmour and the Wets; John Redwood; and David Willettts Andrew Denham And Kieron O'hara. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [218]-220) And Index.