Skip to main content

The Selsdon Group, c. 1973-1984; 2002

 Series

  • How to
    request

Dates

  • Creation: c. 1973-1984; 2002

Language of Materials

  • English

Full range of shelfmarks:

PUB 148/3-4, 7

Biographical / Historical

The Selsdon Group is a British free market economics pressure group closely associated with the Conservative Party. Formed in 1973, it was named after Edward Heath's U-turn over the Conservatives' 1970 election manifesto, which followed a meeting of the Shadow Cabinet at The Selsdon Park Hotel near Croydon, Surrey. The manifesto, which advocated a radical free market agenda, was resurrected by Nicholas Ridley and others to create a new group to uphold and promote the case for free market policies within the Conservative Party.

Philosophically, its members believe that economic freedom is the indispensable condition for political and social freedom. Tactically, members reject the view that the "middle ground" is where elections are won. It believes that the Conservative Party wins office when it adopts distinctive Conservative policies based on choice, private ownership and individual freedom.

Repository Details

Part of the Bodleian Libraries Repository

Contact:
Weston Library
Broad Street
Oxford OX1 3BG United Kingdom