TORY NATION

1. The Conservative Party's enduring dominance in British politics

The Conservatives have been described as 'the most successful political party in the world'.

Unrivaled electoral success. Since its inception in the 1830s, the Conservative Party has dominated British politics, holding power for roughly two-thirds of the time. This remarkable record of victory stems from several factors:

• Adaptability to changing circumstances
• Superior financial resources and organizational prowess
• An unrepresentative voting system that favors the party
• Skillful exploitation of national identity and patriotism

The party's ability to bounce back from seemingly terminal defeats and flourish in conditions that should be threatening is perhaps its defining trait. This resilience has allowed the Conservatives to shape British society and institutions for nearly two centuries.

2. Adapting to change while preserving power and privilege

To keep the show on the road, the Conservatives must attach themselves to whatever myths and memories they can find to sustain the fantasy, if not the reality, of Britain's greatness.

Pragmatic evolution. The Conservative Party has consistently demonstrated an ability to adapt to changing circumstances while preserving the core interests of Britain's elite. This has involved:

• Gradually expanding voting rights to stave off more radical reforms
• Absorbing new elites (e.g., industrialists) into the existing power structure
• Reframing concessions as proud moments in the party's history
• Cultivating an image of pragmatism and common sense

By changing shape to meet the demands of each era, the Conservatives have managed to maintain their grip on power even as British society has undergone significant transformations.

3. The Tory Nation: Shaping British identity and institutions

The Tory Nation isn't the same as 'the establishment', although many poles of institutional power in Britain – the bulk of Westminster, Fleet Street, the City, the monarchy, the military, etc. – are essential to its upkeep, assuring a degree of Conservative rule even when the party is out of power.

Cultural hegemony. The Conservatives have successfully shaped British national identity and institutions to align with their values and interests. This "Tory Nation" encompasses:

• A reverence for tradition and hierarchy
• A celebration of Britain's imperial past and global influence
• The preservation of anachronistic institutions (e.g., the monarchy, House of Lords)
• A skepticism towards political idealism and radical change

By intertwining Conservative values with British identity, the party has made it difficult for opponents to challenge their vision without appearing "un-British."

4. Conservative ideology: A blend of tradition and free-market capitalism

Conservatism is at once eminently sensible and moderate, and uniquely prone to reactionary turns. It avows liberty, but is ambivalent about democracy.

Ideological flexibility. Conservative ideology is characterized by a blend of seemingly contradictory elements:

• A reverence for tradition and established institutions
• An embrace of free-market capitalism and economic liberalism
• Skepticism towards state intervention and wealth redistribution
• A willingness to pursue radical change in service of preserving elite interests

This ideological flexibility allows Conservatives to appeal to a wide range of voters while maintaining their core commitment to preserving existing power structures.

5. The Nasty Party: Exploiting prejudice for political gain

Conservatives understand both the danger of being outflanked on their right and the popular potential of pandering to prejudice, placing the Conservatives on the side of 'normal people' against complacent elites.

Strategic scapegoating. The Conservative Party has a long history of exploiting prejudice and fear for political gain:

• Stoking xenophobia and anti-immigrant sentiment
• Portraying opponents as threats to national security or identity
• Cultivating a sense of nostalgia for a romanticized past
• Framing social and economic problems as the fault of marginalized groups

While this approach has proven electorally successful, it has also contributed to deepening social divisions and undermining democratic norms.

6. The Tory Press: A powerful ally in shaping public opinion

Rarely can a political party have wielded so much power, for so long, with so little accountability.

Media dominance. The Conservative Party benefits from the overwhelming support of Britain's most influential newspapers, collectively known as the "Tory Press." This media dominance:

• Shapes public opinion in favor of Conservative policies
• Demonizes and delegitimizes political opponents
• Amplifies Conservative narratives about national identity and values
• Provides cover for Conservative scandals and policy failures

The symbiotic relationship between the Conservatives and the Tory Press has been crucial in maintaining the party's grip on power.

7. Labour's struggle to challenge Conservative hegemony

Since the party's beginnings in 1900, radicalism has always competed with more conservative instincts.

Perpetual opposition. The Labour Party has struggled to effectively challenge Conservative dominance due to several factors:

• Internal divisions between moderate and radical factions
• A tendency to adopt Conservative framing on key issues
• Difficulty in articulating a compelling alternative vision for Britain
• Media hostility and smear campaigns

Labour's rare periods in government have often been characterized by a reluctance to fundamentally challenge the Conservative-shaped status quo.

8. Brexit: A Conservative gamble with far-reaching consequences

Brexit was motivated by many things, but, much like with the Falklands, its advantage to the Conservative Party – and its appeal to many voters – was that it allowed Britain to speak and feel like a great country again: strong, brave and independent; sovereign, victorious and unconquerable.

Nationalist resurgence. The Brexit referendum and its aftermath have:

• Reignited Conservative nationalism and exceptionalism
• Deepened social and political divisions within Britain
• Exposed the fragility of British democratic institutions
• Created new challenges for the Conservative Party in delivering on its promises

While Brexit has posed significant challenges, it has also allowed the Conservatives to reframe themselves as champions of popular sovereignty against a supposedly out-of-touch elite.

9. The future of British democracy under Conservative rule

A different Britain is possible, but nothing in politics is guaranteed.

Democratic erosion. The Conservative Party's continued dominance poses significant challenges to British democracy:

• Weakening of checks and balances on executive power
• Erosion of civil liberties and protest rights
• Centralization of power at the expense of local government
• Manipulation of electoral rules to favor Conservative interests

While the Conservatives may face electoral defeat in the near future, their long-term influence on British institutions and political culture is likely to persist. Meaningful democratic reform will require sustained effort and a willingness to challenge entrenched Conservative narratives about British identity and governance.

Last updated: August 9, 2024