The Conservative was the first of the mass-publication popular newsletters published by the Conservative Party, and was advertised as 'A popular Conservative monthly suitable for local distribution' for all Conservatives and Unionists. It was launched in 1905, presumably as part of the propaganda effort prior to the anticipated General Election. It consisted of 16 pages of print, providing a commentary on contemporary political issues as well as features, including a regular column, 'What Women Think - our page for fair politicians'.

Only volume 2 (containing issues 1-12, Jan-Dec 1906) and volume 3 (containing issues 1-12, Jan-Dec 1907) survive in the Conservative Party Archive. A feature entitled ‘To Our Readers’ appeared in the Dec 1907 issue concerning the future format of The Conservative. From 1st January 1908 it was to be re-named The Conservative and Unionist, although local constituencies and Provincial Divisions of the National Union would be encouraged to add their own local inserts and cover with a title of their own choosing. It would continue to consist of 16 pages, of which four would be used for advertisements. No copies of the revised newsletter are held, and it is not known whether it was actually published in this format.