The Conservative and Unionist Party, popularly known as the Conservative Party, is a political party in the United Kingdom. Founded in its present form during the early 19th century, it has historically been the principal party of the right, though in the modern day the party and its voters are more associated with the centre-right. It is the most successful political party in British history in terms of election victories.
The Conservative Party is descended from the historic Tory Party which was founded in 1678. Due to this lineage the party is still often referred to as the Tory Party. As well as the more correct description of Conservatives, its members are also called Tories. The Conservative Party was in government for two-thirds of the twentieth century, but it has been in opposition in Parliament since losing the 1997 election to the Labour Party.
Currently the Conservatives are the largest opposition party in the United Kingdom and form Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition in the Parliament of the United Kingdom. The Conservative Party is the second largest political party in the United Kingdom in terms of sitting Members of Parliament, the largest in terms of public membership, the largest in terms of sitting councillors in local government, and the oldest political party in the world. The current party leader is David Cameron, who acts as the Leader of the Opposition and heads the Shadow Cabinet.
For the months between January and March 2008, the Conservative Party received nearly £5.8 million in donations, compared to just over £3.1 million for the Labour Party, as declared by The Electoral Commission on 22 May 2008. But the Conservatives are also £12 million in borrowings, compared to Labour's £17.8 million and the Liberal Democrats' £1.13 million
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