Chairman of the Conservative Party |
|
---|---|
Appointer | Leader of the Conservative Party |
Inaugural holder | Arthur Steel-Maitland |
Formation | 1911 |
The Chairman of the Conservative Party in the United Kingdom is responsible for party administration, overseeing the Conservative Campaign Headquarters (formerly Conservative Central Office). When the Conservatives are in government, the Chairman is usually a member of the Cabinet holding a sinecure position such as Minister without Portfolio. Deputy or vice-chairmen may also be appointed, with responsibility for specific aspects of the Conservative Party (for example, local government, women or youth). The Conservative Party is currently chaired by Sir Patrick McLoughlin, who was appointed July 14th, 2016.
The role was created in 1911 in response to the Conservative party's defeat in the second 1910 general election. The position is not subject to election, as it is in the gift of the party leader.