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In 1832 the Tory Party suffered an election defeat so crushing that many of its supporters despaired.  They found themselves facing an electorate whose right to vote, newly achieved in the great Reform Bill, they had passionately opposed.  Robert Peel, the leader who emerged from this disaster, needed nine years to change the reputation of the Party as well as its name.  The Tamworth Manifesto was the symbol of this change. In 1841 Peel was the first man to become Prime Minister as the result of a General Election victory.  His particular asset was the serious thoroughness with which he prepared and took decisions as illustrated among many examples by the foundation of the Metropolitan Police and the Repeal of the Corn Laws.

The Conservative Party in 1997 faced an almost equally crushing defeat as the pendulum swung strongly against it following fifteen years of Conservative rule.  When elected Leader in 2005, David Cameron found himself confronted not just with skilful political opponents but with widespread apathy or suspicion.  His chances of overcoming these difficulties will depend not mainly on political sleight of hand but on the seriousness with which he and his colleagues approach the taking of decisions on a foundation of valid facts.  He will hope to repeat Peel's achievement while avoiding his final misfortune.

Lord Hurd, age 77, retired as Foreign Secretary in July 1995, after a distinguished career in Government spanning sixteen years. He served as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland from 1984 - 85, Home Secretary from 1985 - 89 and Foreign Secretary 1989 – 1995 in the Governments of Margaret Thatcher and John Major.

Educated at Eton and Cambridge, Lord Hurd obtained a first class degree in history.  After joining the Diplomatic Service, he went on to serve at the Foreign office in Peking, New York (UN) and Rome.  He ran Edward Heath’s private office from 1968 - 70 and acted as his Political Secretary at 10 Downing Street from 1970 - 74.  He was MP for Mid-Oxfordshire (later Witney) from 1974 to 1997.  He was created a Life Peer in 1997, and has since held numerous appointments in the City and in public life.  He is Deputy Chairman of Coutts Bank.