The Lessons of Tory Democracy - The American Conservative

Tory Democracy is a political ideology that emerged within the Conservative Party in the UK during the 19th and early 20th centuries .

Rooted in conservative principles, Tory Democracy sought to strike a balance between traditional values and the need for social reforms to address the challenges posed by industrialization and social inequality.

The term “ Tory Democracy ” entered public discourse when it was used, like many terms in British politics which soon became commonplace, as a pejorative, to describe Arthur Forwood when he contested (and narrowly lost) the 1882 Liverpool by-election.

Many Tory Democrats did care for the plight of the poor and did want to advocate for social reform.

Tory Democracy gripped the Conservative Party at the time.

Many contemporaries saw it as an inconsistent ideology.

Critics said it was opportunism for pseudo-liberals who were simply in the wrong party.

The challenge today is no lesser, but neither is the prize: a reforging of the alliance between popular conservatism and the working class.