Tamworth Manifesto

The Tamworth Manifesto was an electioneering document published in the British national press on 18 December 1834 which declared Sir Robert Peel's attitude to current political issues. It is recognised as being the first party political manifesto, one of the very first statements of principle of Conservatism, and a landmark in the growth of the British Conservative Party. In the manifesto Peel combined the idea of moderate reform with a strong belief in traditional institutions.

The document is so named as it was Peel's election address when standing for election in the town of Tamworth, Staffordshire. After Peel became Prime Minister in 1834, his followers began to describe themselves as Conservatives rather than Tories.

External links

• The text of the Tamworth Manifesto The Peel Web