( also the Conservatives , the Tories )
one of the main British political parties. It developed from the old Tory Party in the 1830s and is still sometimes called by this name. It is a right-wing party, supporting capitalism and free enterprise (= an economic system in which there is open competition in business and trade, and no government control). It formed the government in Britain from 1979 to 1997, during which time its leaders were Margaret Thatcher and then John Major . Michael Howard became party leader in 2003.
► Conservative ( also Tory ) n
a member or supporter of the Conservative Party.
► Conservative ( also Tory ) adj .