Evaluate the view that the current Conservative Party is a Thatcherite party.

Question 1

intro

Question 2

themes

Answer 2

1. economic policy
2. law and order
3. foreign policy

Question 3

loa

Answer 3

The current CP remains broadly Thatcherite, especially in its economic and law-and-order policies, despite some pragmatic departures.”

Question 4

1. econ policy - YES

Answer 4

✅ For: The Conservative Party Is Still Thatcherite
P: Thatcher’s central legacy = reducing state size, taxes, and promoting free markets.
E: Tax cuts under Thatcher: Income tax (83% → 40%)
E: Sunak (2024 Spring Budget): NI cut from 10% → 8%, pledge to cut further.
E: Liz Truss mini-budget 2022 - part of the current Conservative Party era (post-2019): abolished 45p tax rate, cut stamp duty, corp. tax → aimed at growth via supply-side reforms.
A: These moves reflect classic Thatcherite aims: reduced welfare dependency, low taxes, and limited government intervention.

Question 5

1. econ policy - NO

Answer 5

❌ Against: The Conservative Party Isn’t Still Thatcherite
P: Sunak reversed Truss’ tax cuts after market instability.
E: Corp. tax rose (April 2023) from 19% to 25%.
E: Sunak prioritised fiscal responsibility and debt reduction over tax cuts.
E: Badenoch (2024) hasn’t pledged cuts to VAT, income tax, or corp. tax.
A: Sunak’s pragmatism on spending diverges from Thatcherite economic radicalism.

IJ: Despite Truss’ failure, the party still supports privatisation and low-tax rhetoric. Sunak’s reversals show pragmatism, but underlying values remain broadly Thatcherite.