Conservatives Together
We're helping candidates to rebuild the Conservative Party's vote-winning machine.↓
If you're a candidate or member who'd like to be part of Conservatives Together, sign up below.
When you submit this form, you agree that Conservatives Together may collect, store and process data about you, for the purpose of Conservative political campaigns. We will never sell your data and you can unsubscribe easily at any time. You can read our privacy policy here.
Reports and Surveys
Publications
Our published reports
Report: What Went WrongWe surveyed unsuccessful candidates from the 2024 election to ask what went wrong in the campaign. Several trends emerged.
Survey: Standing Again?We asked unsuccessful Conservative candidates from the 2024 General Election whether they intend to stand again.
News and coverage
CTog in the news
Three quarters of ousted Tory MPs eyeing a return to parliament
The Times, 4th Jan 2025
Majority of defeated Tory candidates say they will run for election again despite party's landslide loss
Mail Online, 4th Jan 2025
Nine in 10 ousted Tories ‘would fight another election’
The Telegraph, 4th Jan 2025
Last year’s general election candidates aren’t daunted by defeat – they want to stand again
Conservative Home, 3rd Jan 2025
Why are the Conservatives so happy?
BBC News, 1st Oct 2024
Conservatives ‘should learn from the Lib Dems’
The Times, 30 Sep 2024
New report sums up why the Tories lost the election in just three words
The Express, 28 Sep 2024
What Went Wrong
Get our launch report
To download our report on the General Election 2024, What Went Wrong, please complete the form below. You'll discover:
Why just 1% more of the electorate could have made us the largest party in a hung parliament.
Why one candidate knows 2,800 of his most loyal voters won't vote for him next time.
The eight areas that candidates identified as major flaws in our election machinery.
When you submit this form, you agree that Conservatives Together may collect, store and process data about you, for the purpose of Conservative political campaigns. We will never sell your data and you can unsubscribe easily at any time. You can read our privacy policy here.
Download our launch report
What Went Wrong.
If just 1% more of the registered electorate had turned out for the Conservatives in the 2024 General Election, we would have formed the largest party in a hung Parliament.If 2% more had supported us, we would have won a majority.Instead, we suffered our worst swing to Labour in modern history.What went wrong? We spoke to 62 defeated MPs and candidates to find out their experience of the 2024 campaign. Their feedback forms the basis of this report.The good news is that Starmer's majority is big but fragile. The bad news is there are several areas where the Conservative machinery effectively collapsed.View or download the report below.
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survey
What went wrong in your patch?
Were you involved in the Conservatives' 2024 General Election campaign? Whether you were a candidate, a volunteer, an association officer or a staffer, we're interested in your experience.We'll use this information to support research into what went wrong and how we can improve the party's performance next time. We're particularly focused on campaigns and communications, not policy (we know policy is important, but it's not the focus of this survey).We'll never publish or share your feedback, except in an anonymised way (e.g. we'll remove your name and other identifying information). Please note, Conservatives Together is not an affiliate or official part fo the Conservative Party or CCHQ.
When you submit this form, you agree that Conservatives Together may collect, store and process data about you, for the purpose of Conservative political campaigns. We will never sell your data and you can unsubscribe easily at any time. You can read our privacy policy here.
about us
What is Conservatives Together?
You can read about CTog in this article for ConservativeHome.com, written by our co-chairman, former Defence Secretary Grant Shapps.Conservatives Together ('CTog') is a new organisation, sitting outside the official party structure, founded with the aim of rebuilding an election-winning machine.It’s the creation of a large number of MPs, ex-MPs and candidates who want to give our colleagues at the next election the very best tools, techniques and ideas for winning votes.We are not a think tank. Conservatives Together is dedicated to supporting Conservative activists and powering the party to win elections. This includes backing Prospective Parliamentary Candidates (PPCs) with top-tier campaign training.We’re also not from one wing of the party or another. Regardless of the winner of this year’s leadership contest, we will fight hard to deliver a Conservative government. We will work with the democratically elected leader to achieve this.The new wave of technology, including AI, will reshape the nature of campaigns. We must seize this potential. The strength of our execution and power of our persuasion is more important than ever. CTog will ensure it's particularly adept at assisting the party and candidates adapt to this new landscape. These goals are at the heart of our mission.
contact
Get in touch
You can get in touch with Conservatives Together by emailing:team [at] ConservativesTogether.org
Privacy
Our privacy policy
Privacy PolicyLast updated: 16 October 20241. IntroductionConservatives Together ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and disclose your personal information when you visit our website or interact with us. Conservatives Together is not part of CCHQ or the official Conservative Party structure.2. Information We Collect- Personal Data: When you submit forms on our website, we may collect personal information such as your name, email address, postal address, and any other details you provide.
- Usage Data: We use Google Analytics and Google Tags to collect anonymised information about how visitors use our website. This includes data like your IP address (anonymised), browser type, pages visited, time spent on our site, and how you interacted with items such as forms and buttons. We also use automated electronic services that operate APIs to transport your data to our database.3. How We Use Your InformationWe use your information to:- Respond to your inquiries and provide the services or information you request.
- Promote our activities, which are: political organisation, training and research relating to the UK Conservative Party.
- Improve our website, services, and user experience.
- Comply with legal obligations and protect our legal rights.We do not sell your data.4. Cookies and AnalyticsOur website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience. Cookies are small text files stored on your device. We use cookies to:- Remember your preferences and settings.
- Collect anonymised analytics data through Google Analytics and Google Tags.You can manage or disable cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may affect the functionality of our website.5. Data Storage and TransferWe store your data using cloud services, including those operated by companies and data centres outside the UK. While these locations may not have equivalent data protection laws, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your personal data in accordance with UK GDPR requirements.6. Data SecurityWe implement reasonable security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction.7. Your RightsUnder the UK GDPR, you have the right to:- Access the personal data we hold about you.
- Rectify inaccurate or incomplete data.
- Erase your personal data (right to be forgotten).
- Restrict the processing of your data under certain conditions.
- Object to the processing of your data.
- Data Portability, allowing you to obtain and reuse your personal data for your own purposes.To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information provided below.8. Contact UsIf you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at:Conservatives Together
Unit 3, 275 New North Road, London, N1 7AA
Email: [email protected]---By using our website, you agree to the collection and use of your information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.
2024 candidates survey
Planning to run?
Are you planning to run as a Conservative candidate at the next election? Or maybe you're still making your mind up?Either way, please let us know so that CTog can build the right support to help you and our colleagues.
When you submit this form, you agree that Conservatives Together may collect, store and process data about you, for the purpose of Conservative political campaigns. We will never sell your data and you can unsubscribe easily at any time. You can read our privacy policy here.
survey results
Tory candidates are determined to run again, survey finds
4 January 2025
Almost 90% of defeated Conservative candidates have already decided to run again, or are leaning towards it, a new survey has found - showing how the party can rebuild from its worst-ever election defeat.“Hundreds of ex-candidates who we expected to be cowering in holes after the election – or even toying with Reform – are actually champing at the bit to go again,” said Grant Shapps, former defence secretary and co-chairman of Conservatives Together, which conducted the survey. “They can sense how shallow and brittle Starmer’s majority is, and they want to help demolish it.”“This isn’t just about bringing back familiar faces – it’s about renewal,” said Grant Shapps. “The commitment from those who haven’t yet been in Parliament shows the strength of our grassroots movement. The next election won’t just be fought by veterans but by passionate new voices ready to shape Britain’s future.”Conservatives Together, set up by Shapps and Conservative peer Lord Kempsell, surveyed all unsuccessful Conservative candidates from the 2024 election. Almost 60 per cent replied, with 70 per cent of respondents saying they had definitely decided to run again and a further 19 per cent leaning that way.“Some ex-MPs do want to return,” said Alex Clarkson, a founding member of Conservatives Together who stood as a candidate for the first time in Stevenage, “but the real story is the huge number of candidates like me who were trying for their first or second time in 2024 and who want to run again. We’re bringing fresh energy, fresh ideas, fresh perspectives. There’s real optimism here about Britain’s potential, and we’re determined to deliver it.”The data suggest a story of fresh faces keen to renew and drive the party at the next election:- More fresh faces than returning MPs: A striking 81.25% of non-MPs (candidates who weren’t MPs defending their seats) have already decided to run again, nearly twice the figure among former MPs (43.18%). The finding suggests that a fresh new cohort is ready to drive the party at the next election.- 96% of new candidates likely to run again: Non-MP candidates who responded to our survey were more enthusiastic about running again than former MPs; 95.67% of non-MP candidates are definitely or ‘leaning towards’ reapplying to stand at the next election, as opposed to just 72% of former MPs.- Very few have ruled out running again: Across the entire group, only 3.72% of respondents (11 out of 296) have decided against running again. Among non-MPs, the percentage is even lower – just 0.48% (1 person) compared to 11.36% of former MPs. This could signal that ex-MPs may feel more disillusioned or cautious.- 94% already have a sense of whether to run again or not: Just 5.74% of all respondents remain unsure (answering "not sure either way"). This shows that over 94% have a stance on their future – a notable level of decisiveness considering the scale of the 2024 defeat.Research after the last election lost by the Conservatives, in 2005, showed that early selection of candidates, especially when they have experience of standing, is a strategic asset. Previous experience of being a candidate resulted in an extra 0.9 per cent swing to the Conservatives on average, compared to a control group. A candidate with previous experience in the same seat achieved an average extra 2.1 per cent swing. Remarkably, being selected four years ahead of an election appears to have the same “swing benefit” as incumbency.Shapps said: “Just six months after the election disaster, candidates’ strong level of enthusiasm reflects their commitment – and their readiness for early selection. We should avoid the scramble for seats that the party saw last June.”
“These people believe passionately in our country and in the value of public service. They include men and women from all walks of life, all parts of Britain. They’ve got a vision for the future of Britain and a dogged determination to deliver it.“That’s why we set up Conservatives Together, and we’ll be with them all the way.”The survey, conducted throughout November 2024, asked 529 unsuccessful Conservative parliamentary candidates from the 2024 General Election “Are you planning to run for Parliament?”
| Planning to run again? | Totals | Total % | Former MPs | % of Former MPs | Non-MPs | % of non-MPs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes definitely | 207 | 69.93% | 38 | 43.18% | 169 | 81.25% |
| Leaning towards 'yes' | 55 | 18.58% | 25 | 28.41% | 30 | 14.42% |
| Not sure either way | 17 | 5.74% | 10 | 11.36% | 7 | 3.37% |
| Leaning towards 'no' | 6 | 2.03% | 5 | 5.68% | 1 | 0.48% |
| No | 11 | 3.72% | 10 | 11.36% | 1 | 0.48% |
| Total | 296 | 100.00% | 88 | 100.00% | 208 | 100.00% |
We're not part of CCHQ, but we're here to support Conservative candidates. Anyone interested in running for Parliament as a Conservative can let us know at https://www.conservativestogether.org/#standingagain
Fellowship
CTog Fellowship FAQs
Application and EligibilityIs this supported by or associated with CCHQ? Is it an official programme?No, it’s not an official part of the Party, nor endorsed by CCHQ. We think we can better help candidates from outside the official party structure, providing different forms of support. But we are in touch with CCHQ about it and our intention is for the Fellowship to become a valuable part of candidates’ journeys to becoming candidates.Who can apply for the Conservatives Together Fellowship?Anyone who is a member of the Conservative Party can apply.Can I apply if I am not yet a Conservative Party member?No. You must be a member of the Conservative Party.Can current MPs or sitting councillors apply?Yes, so long as you are planning to (re)run for Parliament at the next election.How can I apply?
Please apply using the application form here.How many places are there in each cohort? And how many cohorts?There are around 20 places in each cohort, and new cohorts are created on a regional basis. We expect a new cohort every few months.Is there a waitlist?
Yes, if you’re not immediately accepted onto the next cohort but your application is successful, you’ll often be placed on a waitlist.Programme Structure and RequirementsHow are cohorts assigned?One of the main factors is geography, because we try to group cohorts by area so cohort members can work together and see each other regularly. Other factors include your experience in campaigning or in other walks of life (such as professional experience).What is the time commitment for the Fellowship?Two full training days (Saturdays), around six months apart
Four online training sessions, about 1.5-2 hours each, usually evenings
Offline campaigns work with your fellow cohort members.What if I can’t make it to all the workshops?You’ll need to attend the first and last in-person training sessions to be part of a cohort. These will be agreed by the cohort in order to match the maximum number of members’ availability.You don’t have to attend every single workshop, as there’ll be more than four available, so you can pick and choose based on your interests and availability.What if I can’t take part in Campaign Experiments?You need to take part in Campaign Experiments in order to ‘graduate’ as a CTog Fellow.What do the Campaign Experiments involve?Campaign Experiments require you, as a team, to design, deliver and test an element of a campaign. This might be a campaigning technique, campaign message or similar. Once the Experiment is done, the team must report back on its successes.
An alternative to ‘in the field’ campaigning is a report on campaign innovations seen in the UK and around the world, and how they might be applied by Conservative candidates.Costs and FundingDoes it cost anything to become a Fellow?For the first few cohorts, there is no fee. You will need to cover your own travel and accommodation costs for in-person events.How is the programme funded?The programme is funded by private donations to Conservatives Together. Conservatives Together is not part of the Conservative Party's official structure and is not affiliated to CCHQ.Workshops and TrainingHow is the programme structured?Two in-person workshops, six months apart. In between those workshops you’ll attend four online workshops and be involved in Campaign Experiments. At the end of the six months, assuming you’ve completed the work, you’ll graduate as a ‘CTog Fellow’.Who are the trainers for the workshops?Trainers and experts are senior politicians, media operators, campaign staffers and expert trainers in the relevant fields.Outcomes and Continuing InvolvementWhat qualifications or credentials will I receive upon completion?Once accepted onto the course, you become a ‘CTog Associate’. Once you complete the six-month course, you become a ‘CTog Fellow’. And you’ll get a fancy certificate for your downstairs loo.Are there networking opportunities as part of the Fellowship?Networking is core to the Fellowship. You’ll spend time building relationships with other members of your cohort, the CTog senior team and advisory panel. We’ll also host events at party conference and elsewhere.
Fellowship
About the Conservatives Together Fellowship
How to apply
To apply for the Fellowship, please complete the application form here.
About the Fellowship
You can see answers to some Frequently Asked Questions here.
Conservatives Together (CTog) was founded to support and represent Conservative candidates. Part of our work is to help train the next generation of parliamentary candidates.Great parliamentary candidates are leaders, team builders, organisers, motivators, data analysts, fundraisers, spokesmen and campaigners. They are also the future leaders of our nation, the group from which (we hope) cabinet members and Prime Ministers are chosen.So it matters that they have the right skills to build a team, communicate a political agenda, connect with their communities and, ultimately, win an election.The Conservatives Together Fellowship will provide a grounding in those skills. It won’t cover everything that’s needed, but it will help candidates (and those who want to become candidates) to:
Think about local election strategy
Run local issue campaigns
Develop a public profile
Engage media (both traditional and social media)
Build and manage a team.
Beyond just the training benefits, CTog Fellows will:
Get hands-on experience running local campaigns
Be part of a small group of fellow candidates, helping them through a tough journey
Use the Fellowship as evidence of skills and commitment when they apply for selection
Benefit from the wider resources and support of Conservatives Together in their political careers.
What’s involved?1. Apply and join a cohort
We recruit Fellows in small cohorts, with each cohort usually based around a cluster of seats. This means places are very limited, as each cohort fills up. So the application process helps us to assign people to each cohort, or put them on the waiting list.2. In-person one-day workshop
We’ll host a day-long introduction, covering things like how to get selected, how to build community relations and how to think about election strategy. Our trainers are people who work (or have worked) in the areas discussed - senior politicians, journalists and campaigners. But this is also about getting to know other candidates and aspiring candidates in your region, so it’s designed to be a social event too.3. Four online workshops
Online workshops of about 90 minutes each will cover skills-focused topics relevant to candidates.4. Campaign Experiment
As a cohort, you’ll work on campaign ‘experiments’, running campaigns and studying their effectiveness. These experiments will help your own cohort and the rest of the party to understand what works and what doesn’t in the field. It’s part of building a research library that will put us on the cutting edge of campaigns techniques.5. In-person closing workshop
After six months, you’ll come back together as a cohort. This workshop will include conclusions from your campaign experiments and more training with expert and experience trainers.After you’ve completed this programme, you’ll be a ‘CTog Fellow’. You’ll be asked to continue conducting campaign experiments in your area, and support other candidates who are at an earlier stage.CTog Fellows (those who’ve completed the programme) will receive particular support from Conservatives Together as they continue in their political careers.
How to apply
To apply for the Fellowship, please complete the application form here.