National Union of Conservative and Constitutional Associations facts for kids

The National Union of Conservative and Constitutional Associations (NUCCA) was an important group started by Benjamin Disraeli. It was like an early version of the big meetings the Conservative Party holds today. These meetings are called the Conservative Party Conference.

This organization helped bring together different parts of the Conservative Party. It allowed members from all over the country to meet and discuss ideas.

What was the National Union?

The National Union of Conservative and Constitutional Associations, or NUCCA, was set up in 1867. Its main goal was to help the Conservative Party connect with people across Britain. It was a way for local Conservative groups to share their thoughts.

Think of it like a large club or a series of meetings. People from different areas could come together. They would talk about politics and plan for elections. This helped the Conservative Party become stronger and more organized.

Who was Benjamin Disraeli?

Benjamin Disraeli was a very famous British politician. He served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom twice. He was a leader of the Conservative Party.

Disraeli was known for his clever speeches and his ideas for modernizing Britain. He helped create the NUCCA. He wanted to make sure the Conservative Party had strong support from ordinary people.

Leaders of the National Union

The National Union had two main types of leaders: Presidents and Chairmen. These were important people who guided the organization. They helped make sure the meetings ran smoothly. They also represented the Union to the public.

Many important figures from British politics served in these roles. They included Dukes, Earls, Marquesses, and Lords. These titles show they were often members of the nobility. Many were also Members of Parliament (MPs). An MP is someone elected to represent their local area in the British Parliament.

Presidents of the National Union

The President was often a very senior and respected person. They usually served for one year. Some, like William Legge, 5th Earl of Dartmouth, served multiple times. He was President in 1868 and again in 1884.

Other notable Presidents included:

• James Hamilton, 1st Duke of Abercorn (1872)
• Robert Cecil, 3rd Marquess of Salisbury (1881)
• Henry Fitzalan-Howard, 15th Duke of Norfolk (1885, 1896, 1904)
• Frederick Stanley, 16th Earl of Derby (1897, 1903)

These leaders helped guide the Union's overall direction. They often gave speeches at the annual meetings.

Chairmen of the National Union

The Chairman was usually more involved in the day-to-day running of the Union. They often served for several years. The first Chairman was John Eldon Gorst in 1867. He was an MP.

Some Chairmen, like Lord Claud Hamilton, served multiple terms. He was Chairman from 1876 to 1878 and again in 1885.

Other important Chairmen included:

• Henry Cecil Raikes MP (1869-1874)
• Lord Randolph Churchill MP (1884)
• Ellis Ashmead-Bartlett MP (1886-1888)
• The Lord Windsor (1900)

The Chairmen played a key role in organizing the Union's activities. They made sure the meetings and events were successful.

The End of the National Union

The National Union continued until 1911. After that, its role was taken over by other parts of the Conservative Party. The ideas behind it, like bringing members together, continued to be important. Today, the Conservative Party Conference is a big event. It is where party members meet and discuss policies.