Is the Conservative Party today still genuinely conservative?

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Is the Conservative Party today still genuinely ‘conservative’?

David Cameron has introduced much reform into the Conservative Party since his ascension into power of the Conservative Party, in December 2005. He has, in many ways, modernised the Party, and has introduced measures that are so wide reaching, that his brand of Conservatism has a name, Social Conservatism.

Social Conservatism, introduced by Cameron, differs from conventional, traditional conservatism in many ways. Largely, economic policies have remained the same, and the Conservatives are still regarded as ‘business-friendly’. However, although low tax is important, and Cameron realises this, Social Conservatives argue that tax can merely be lowered as long as public services are not affected detrimentally. Therefore, one can see, from merely one example that Social Conservatism has brought the Party to the left slightly. However, his supporters argue that conservatism has always taken the middle ground, and hence, he is doing the right thing by changing Conservative economic policies slightly. Critics of this reform, suggest that he has swayed too far from traditional Tory values and principles.

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Therefore, the purpose of this text, is not to agree or disagree with Social Conservatism, but to investigate whether this new brand of Conservatism is a little too far to the left to be branded ‘conservative’.

Many policies, particularly on the social level, have been changed by the ‘Cameron Revolution’. In more ways than one, Cameron’s policies are more akin to liberal policies than those of traditional conservatives. However, one can understand why Cameron has done this. Many people traditionally see the Tories as harsh, middle class people, against working class ideals. This is true if one looks at ...

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