^aSchool of Politics and International Relations, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK

Correspondence: Andrew Denham, E-mail: andrew.denham@nottingham.ac.uk

Abstract

Since 1963, the British Conservative Party has repeatedly changed the way it selects its leader. In this article, I re-examine the history of Conservative leadership selection in British politics. I begin by analysing the informal system of leadership selection, known as the 'magic circle', whereby the Conservative leader 'emerged' from a shadowy process of consultation. I then consider the six elections between 1965 and 1997, when Conservative MPs – and they alone – chose the Party Leader. Finally, I explain and assess the impact of the 'Hague rules', according to which Party members have the final say, on Conservative leadership selection since 1998.