Weekend Talking Point was first published on 17th July, 1947 as a simple, single- or double-sided typescript note on behalf of the Speakers' Department at Conservative Central Office. The purpose of Weekend Talking Point was to make recommendations for Members and Parliamentary Candidates as to topical political stories from which they might benefit by introducing into their speeches over the ensuing weekend – ranging from matters currently before Parliament and propaganda points against the Opposition parties.

The Tactical Committee (alternatively known as the Tactical Staff Committee), was a committee composed partly of ministers/shadow ministers and partly of professional party staff which was set up at Conservative Central Office in c.1945, responsible for composing the Party's daily tactical response to the political battle and ensuring that day-to-day propaganda points arising in the newspapers and elsewhere were not overlooked. The lines of approach suggested in Weekend Talking Point were selected each week by the Tactical Committee until about September 1951. From December 1951, this function was taken up by the Liaison Committee, and from about February 1966, by the Policy Initiatives & Methods Committee.

Originally foolscap in format, from 21 April 1956 it was reduced to half-foolscap in size and in consequence expanded to approximately 3-4 pages of typescript. From 4 May 1957 its simple typescript was replaced with a new printed format. At least from 5 November 1960, if not earlier, the Conservative Research Department assumed responsibility for producing the Weekly Talking Point although it continued to be issued on behalf of Conservative Central Office.

At the end of each issue was also a bibliography of further reading on a particularly subject, usually making reference to other regular Party publications such as the Weekly News Letter, Notes on Current Politics and Pocket Politics.

It was replaced, from April 1974, by a new weekly Briefing Note, and more occasional Policy Points.

Some files relating to Weekend Talking Point can be found in the catalogue CPA CCO 4: Subject Files.