The Conservative and Unionist Party, more commonly known as the Conservative Party, is a conservative 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.
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 to date the most successful political party in British history, they 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, and the largest in terms of sitting councillors in local government. The current party leader is David Cameron, who acts as the Leader of the Opposition and heads the Shadow Cabinet.
For the months between July and September 2008, the Conservative Party received just over £4 million in donations, compared to just over £7.5 million for the Labour Party, as declared by The Electoral Commission on 26 November 2008. The Conservatives are also £12.1 million in debt, compared to Labour's £15.7 million and the Liberal Democrats' £1.13 million.