The first issue of The Tory, dated June 1892, states: 'For a long time it has seemed desirable to establish a journal whereby Conservative Agents may have an opportunity of placing their views before their fellow Agents, and whereby information on points of law, of registration and of organization, may be placed before those of most deeply interested on the Conservative side of politics. With these objects this little venture has been resolved upon.'

The Tory was available by subscription only, and was published monthly. During its lifetime, 1892-1897 it had two editors, CH Kitchen, Agent for Nottingham, and Thomas Ablewhite, Agent for the Stamford Division of Lincolnshire.

During the period that The Tory was published the National Society did not fully represent all Agents, as some of the already existing regional bodies (North of England, Metropolitan, and Home Counties) initially chose not to join with it, although the North of England Union provided regular reports on its activities, and the editors included information pertinent to London and the Home Counties.

The last issue of The Tory appeared in December 1897, but no reason is given for the cessation of publication.

The contents of The Tory reflects the priorities of 19th century 'grass-roots' politics. Many election petitions and Registration appeal cases are reported, which were typical of the time. In this period the franchise was complicated, there being about six different voting qualifications. Bribery and undue influence had yet to be stamped out, and the business of registration, and the annual Revising Barrister's courts were a constant feature of the politics of the time. The Tory printed useful lists of Party Agents and their addresses, as well as biographies and photographs of the most eminent ones. It also published reports of meetings of the National Society, as well its constituent groups.