The Rise of the New Conservatism: A Scholarly Take

Strategic Insights -

As the Conservative Party undergoes a generational shift, two rising stars, John Redwood and Michael Portillo, are making their mark on the British politics landscape. Their ideology, known as the New Conservatism, is particularly noteworthy for its rejection of a predetermined future and its emphasis on preserving the country's ancient traditions and institutions. This perspective shares an affinity with those who have studied medieval history, like the author and these two politicians, who all attended Oxford or Cambridge.

Key Takeaways:

  • The New Conservatism, led by John Redwood and Michael Portillo, is a persuasion that rejects acquiescence in a predestined future, focusing on preserving the country's ancient traditions and institutions.
  • The ideology emphasizes economics as a moral science, not a managerial one, and considers religion, ethics, and culture essential components of politics.
  • Europe is significant to this group because an independent national culture cannot be sustained without the political means to do so.
  • The New Conservatism is not a faction or movement but rather a collection of individuals sharing similar views, including Roger Scruton, John Casey, Ken Minogue, Jonathan Clark, and Oliver Letwin.
  • The New Conservatism shares an affinity with understanding and studying medieval history, as seen in the author's own educational background.
  • Peterhouse and Magdalen College, Oxford, have played significant roles in shaping the perspectives of Redwood and the author.

Statistics:

  • 1970s: Magdalen College, Oxford, was a leading school for medieval history, taught by Karl Leyser and Gerald Harriss.
  • 1983: John Redwood and Michael Portillo were rising stars in the political think-tanks.
  • 1995: The Times published an article discussing the New Conservatism.
  • The third volume of Maurice Cowling's magnum opus, Religion and Public Doctrine in Modern England, is yet to be published by Cambridge University Press, with the first volume out of print and the second volume costing £40.
  • 1995: The festschrift in honour of Michael Cowling's mentor, Public and Private Doctrine, was published, edited by Michael Bentley, and costing £45.

Sources:

  • The Times, 1995
  • Michael Bentley, Editor, Public and Private Doctrine (CUP, £45)