Changes

British conservatism has traditionally been a moderate, non-ideological creed: its heroes include such pragmatic figures as [[Edmund Burke]] in the eighteenth century and Sir [[Robert Peel]] and [[Benjamin Disraeli]] in the nineteenth century. These figures contrasted with contemporary conservatives from other European countries such as the French thinker [[Joseph de Maistre]], who were often strong, ideologically-minded supporters of absolute monarchy and Roman Catholicism.

British conservatism has traditionally been a moderate, non-ideological creed: its heroes include such pragmatic figures as [[Edmund Burke]] in the eighteenth century and Sir [[Robert Peel]] and [[Benjamin Disraeli]] in the nineteenth century. These figures contrasted with contemporary conservatives from other European countries such as the French thinker [[Joseph de Maistre]], who were often strong, ideologically-minded supporters of absolute monarchy and Roman Catholicism.

The Conservative Party's ideology diverged from cosensus corporativism during the leadership of [[Margaret Thatcher]] (1975-1990), becoming far more economically liberal and more socially conservative. Since Lady Thatcher resigned in 1990s, the strongly conservative element within the party has been somewhat eclipsed, due to Sir John Major (PM 1990-1997) wanting to distance himself from Thatcher's disastrous third term, and the current Conservative leader, [[David Cameron]], now espouses evironmental paternalism as opposed to Thatcherism. While this has caused dismay to many Conservative activists, it is much more suitable for 2000s consensus politics, increasing the electability of the Conservatives.

The Conservative Party became more ideologically conservative during the leadership of [[Margaret Thatcher]] (1975-1990). Since Lady Thatcher resigned in 1990s, the strongly conservative element within the party has been more or less eclipsed. It had some influence in the 1990s during the leadership of Sir John Major (1990-1997), but the current Conservative leader, [[David Cameron]], has moved decisively away from "Thatcherism". While this has caused dismay to many Conservative activists, it has greatly increased the popularity and electability of the Conservative Party.

===Liberal Democrats===

===Liberal Democrats===