Onward was first published in October 1953. Its first editorial stated, ‘ Onward, a new and enlarged Party magazine, this month succeeds Tory Challenge. The change is appropriate. Tory Challenge first appeared in 1947 when the Conservative Party was still smarting from the severe defeat of 1945. Its name then implied its purpose and through six momentous years, and two General Elections, the challenge to Socialism was waged relentlessly. Now that the Party has been returned to power and cleared up the worst of the familiar aftermath of Socialism, a new phase is opening in the history of the Party. The Tories still challenge the false credos of Socialism, but they can now set them against solid achievements and solid hopes, of a freer, happier, better Britain.’

The earlier issues featured a regular ‘Women’s Page’ ‘Young Conservatives’ page, and ‘Local Government Notes’.

A note in the final, June 1957 edition of Onward, states that, ‘As part of a re-deployment of the Party’s publicity is has been decided to suspend Onward after this issue.’