Conservative party is not Thatcherite

Question 1

Question

Answer 1

Evaluate the view that the Conservative party is no longer a Thatcherite party.

Question 2

Factors

Answer 2

• The economy
• Welfare
• Foreign policy

Question 3

Judgement

Answer 3

The Conservative party remains Thatcherite.

Question 4

Weaker argument economy

Answer 4

→ Cameron/Osborne’s ‘compassionate conservatism’ (2010–2016): Claimed to balance austerity with protection for public services like the NHS and education. Introduced the “pupil premium” to help disadvantaged schoolchildren.
→ Theresa May’s industrial strategy (2017): sought to reduce regional inequality and rebalance the economy.
→ Rishi Sunak’s post-COVID interventionism (2020–2021 as Chancellor, later PM): furlough scheme protected millions of jobs, reflecting a pragmatic approach to economic hardship. COUNTER - had to be done because of the nation COVID crisis.

Question 5

Stronger argument economy

Answer 5

→ Cameron’s Austerity Measures: The 2010 Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) set out cuts of £81 billion over the following years, targeting public services and welfare - Thatcherite ethos of reducing the state’s role.
→ “Levelling Up” and Post-Brexit Economy: Under Johnson, the Conservative Party continued its economic policies with a focus on free markets, deregulation, and cutting taxes, but also shifted towards regional economic policy.
→ Liz Truss’s mini-budget (2022) focused on unfunded tax cuts for higher earners — a shift toward libertarian economics, widely seen as anti-One Nation.

Question 6

Weaker argument welfare

Answer 6

→ Universal Credit (rolled out under Cameron/May): It was intended to simplify the welfare system and encourage work.
→ Theresa May’s social justice focus: Highlighted issues like racial disparity and mental health; pledged to help “just about managing” families.
→ Sunak’s cost-of-living support (2022–2023): Energy bill assistance and targeted payments to vulnerable households during inflation spike. (COUNTER - Sunak had to appear more One Nation and focused on helping those in need after the leadership of Liz Truss).

Question 7

Stronger argument welfare

Answer 7

→ David Cameron: The 2012 Welfare Reform Act introduced cuts to welfare benefits, including Universal Credit, stricter eligibility criteria for housing benefits and the benefit cap - Thatcherite beliefs in reducing dependency.
→ Cameron replaced the Disability Living Allowance with Personal Independent Payments and tightening eligibility criteria aimed to shrink state spending.
→ Welfare during COVID-19: Johnson’s government introduced temporary welfare measures due to the pandemic but overall maintained Thatcherite principles of limiting the state’s role in welfare. The government introduced a £20 per week increase to Universal Credit during the COVID-19 pandemic, but this was a temporary measure. Johnson’s government continued with welfare cuts and the reduction of the benefit cap.

Question 8

Weaker argument foreign policy

Answer 8

→ Although Cameron called the 2016 referendum, he initially campaigned to remain - consistent with One Nation internationalism.
→ May’s Brexit deal pushed for a “soft Brexit” to protect trade and security ties with Europe, resisting hardline Euroscepticism.
→ Johnson’s support for Ukraine (2022): Strong backing of international institutions such as NATO.

Question 9

Stronger argument foreign policy

Answer 9

→ In January 2024, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pledged £2.5 billion in military support to Ukraine.
→ Figures like Tom Tugendhat have advocated for increasing defence spending to 3% of GDP.
→ The party has taken a strong stance against nations perceived as threats. Sunak labelled China as the “biggest long-term threat” to the UK.
→ Johnson’s government pushed for the UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement (2021) and emphasized “Global Britain” as a major strategy.