Centre Forward was first published in October 1977 by the Local Government Department of Central Office, but with an Editorial Board consisting of academics, MPs and local councillors, as well as the Director of the Local Government Organisation at Central Office. Format: 48 pages, small, magazine-style. The new magazine was introduced with a foreword by Margaret Thatcher: ' I welcome this new magazine Centre Forward. I believe it will strengthen the links between those in Parliament and those serving in local government or on hospital or water authorities or other sections of public administration, by discussion of common problems. It will provoke thought on serious matters of concern in this country, and so make a real contribution to political debate today.'

The editorial to the first edition states that, 'Our concern [is] with the “subordinate institutions” of government – a convenient shorthand term for the local authorities, the health authorities, the water boards, the nationalised industries and a large number of ad hoc bodies –arises from the considerable affect which they have on the daily lives of the great mass of the people of this country. The subordinate area is so vast and its connections with the national government so varied that central supervision is not a very effective means of protecting local or individual interests. Sometimes, too, the situation is made more difficult because the national government uses the subordinate bodies to further its own purposes. It is necessary, therefore, that we should subject these institutions and their services to careful and intelligent scrutiny and to use whatever opportunities we can to secure desirable improvements….Only in that way can we hope to increase our knowledge and understanding of the problems involved and be able to challenge accepted ideas and practices and to encourage thought and discussion about possible alternatives.'

Lady Young, Chairman of the Editorial Board and Vice-Chairman of the Party wrote, 'It should interest all those involved in these matters, and at the same time enable them to contribute to the debate. The Conservative Party is fortunate at the present time in controlling many local authorities, and in having in Parliament members who have made clear their real interest and care for local government. The problems and their solution are vitally important not only for the Conservative Party, but for the country as a whole.'