Introduction: Conservative backbenchers and political influence

Abstract

Are backbenchers¹ mere ‘cannon fodder’ for the division lobbies? In 1990 it seemed Margaret Thatcher had committed the cardinal error of assuming that her supremacy in Cabinet was ‘the bottom line’, forgetting that she was ultimately answerable to the party in the House of Commons. But the Conservative party has always operated in a more sophisticated fashion than a simple model of Tory leaders outlining policy to their uncomplaining supporters. Certainly, the initiative and ultimate policy-making decisions do rest with the leadership. But these decisions have to reflect the pulse of opinion within the Tory ranks; otherwise, dissent ferments to the point of open criticism and erodes the leadership’s ability to carry the party forward. Mainstream Conservatives would concur that while it is not their role to make policy, ‘we are failing in our duty if we do not help form it’.²