In May 1978, the Party newspaper Conservative Monthly News was re-named simply Conservative News, with a new masthead but an otherwise unaltered format and production schedule: ‘This month our paper takes on a new look, with a title head incorporating the new symbol being used by the Conservative Party. Normally reproduced in red, white and blue, this has already been used with great success by the Party in Scotland. We’re also dropping the word “monthly” from our title. This was originally there to distinguish us from the old Weekly News, which is no longer produced. So from now on its Conservative News – but still with the same popular features that have made us the largest selling party publication in Britain… Conservative News is the indispensable link between those at the top of our Party and our grassroots supporters.’

Publication was suspended in May and June 1979 for the period of the General Election and European Elections. It was also suspended during August and September 1979.

From April 1980, at the instigation of Party Chairman Lord Thorneycroft, the format of Conservative News changed from 8-page broadsheet to a single, folded A3 sheet, which was produced fortnightly: ‘Many constituencies have stressed the need for a small, simple, easily distributed, factual briefing paper for Conservative supporters.’ [From the Central Office memo announcing the change dated 28/03/1980]. ‘The Aim is to produce a regular and attractive four-page publication, written in a simple, clear style, to cater for as wide a range of readership as possible. Policies cover a very wide range of interest to “grass roots” readers, and a broad selection of contributions and topics, illustrated with graphics, caricatures, pictures and cartoons, are essential…Up-to-date, clear briefing on the main issues and topical events of the day. To include: Quotes from newspapers; Notes on YCs, CTU, SBB, etc; Pictures, sketches, cartoons; Diary of events; News and views; What the papers say; Conference notes; Local Government; Articles and messages from key Conservatives; Agents’ notes, and so on.’ [From the ‘dummy’version of the new format, sampled at the Central Council meeting in Bournemouth, March 1980].

Conservative News was re-named Conservative Newsline from September 1982, and returned to an 8-page,broadsheet format, produced monthly.