What does Tory mean and where does this term come from?

Tory is used to refer to members of the Conservative Party but the term is much older

The Conservative Party logo (Getty Images)

Conservative MPs are often called Tories colloquially, particularly by journalists looking for a shorter word to slot into a headline.

While some use the term interchangeably with the word Conservative, it also carries pejorative associations. Political rivals often use it in attack lines – Tory cuts, Tory austerity, Tory civil war.

Yet the original word is much older than the official party name.

Where does the term come from?

The word ‘Tory’ emerged the 17th Century, when it was used to describe a political faction who opposed the exclusion of Charles II’s brother James from the throne, during a conflict known as the Exclusion Crisis.

A rival faction, known as Whigs, sought to prevent James from becoming King as he was a Roman Catholic, despite being Charles II’s heir presumptive.

The Tories, who supported James’ campaign, were eventually victorious and he was crowned James II – or James VII of Scotland – in 1685.

The word also appears in early Irish and Scots Gaelic to mean ‘outlaw’ or ‘robber’, eventually becoming a term of abuse for an Irish rebel.

What does it stand for politically?

Tories were characterised by a strong support for the monarchy and the Church of England – despite their initial support of the Catholic heir to the throne – as well as patriotism and a resistance to radical reforms.

Tories also supported the crown as a check on the power of parliaments, which were dominated by their Whig rivals until the 18th Century.

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When did the word Conservative start to be used?

The term was first used to describe the movement during the leadership of Sir Robert Peel in the 1830s. Sir Robert, who came from an industrial background rather than the landed gentry, pushed a more modern agenda while preserving some traditional Tory beliefs.

Despite the adoption of the name ‘Conservative’, Tory continued to be in use in some speeches and official documents.

When was the Conservative Party officially formed?

The modern party says it was formed in 1834, which makes it Britain’s oldest political party as well as one of the oldest parties in the world that is still in existence.