This is the largest political party on the right in Great Britain. It is descended from the Tory Party and its members are still commonly referred to as Tories. It has remained relevant because its programme and outlook have adapted to the changing social and political environment and has never been exclusively linked to any one issue or group and has always stood for social stability and the rights of property.

This branch covers two Wards of Gedling Borough Council; the Ravenshead Ward and the Newstead Ward (Linby & Papplewick Villages) and all the electors on these two registers can be Members of our Branch. Ravenshead, Linby, Papplewick, Newstead Abbey and the Newstead Hospital site development are all included. Electors are represented on the Gedling Borough Council by three Councillors from Ravenshead and one Councillor from the Newstead Ward.

Our Officers and the Branch Committee are elected by Members each year at our AGM, usually held in April. The Branch Committee is the decision-making body and its responsibilities include the selection of election candidates.

Each of our villages has a Parish Council, although only Ravenshead is elected along Party lines. The current Conservative Councillors for Ravenshead Parish Council are Bruce Andrews, Patricia Andrews, Chris Barnfather, Lynda Croome, Ian Crowe, Geoff Dunn, David Evans, Joe Lonergan and Colin Powell.

The current Ravenshead District Councillors are all Conservative Chris Barnfather, Colin Powell and Mark Spencer. The Newstead seat is now held by Patricia Andrews who soundly beat the Labour candidate by 71 votes.

Our Branch is covered at Nottinghamshire County Council level by Conservative County Councillor Chris Barnfather. The seat is called the Newstead Division and includes Bestwood Village as well as the area of our Branch.
Ravenshead, Linby & Papplewick Branch Members now hold the following positions at County Hall in the new Administration:
Councillor Mark Spencer – Deputy Portfolio Holder for Community Safety & Member of the Cabinet
Councillor Chris Barnfather – Member of the Police Authority & Nottinghamshire County Council Conservative Group Deputy Whip
Our Branch also holds the following positions at Gedling Borough Council:
Councillor Colin Powell – Vice-Chair of the Personnel & Resources Committee
Councillor Chris Barnfather – Chief Whip Gedling Borough Council Conservative Group

The Branch has responsibility for recruiting and supporting local members, for raising funds to support the Party at all levels and for canvassing and supporting candidates who stand at Parish, District and County elections. We also assist in supporting candidates at Parliamentary and European elections. We pay an annual financial quota to the Sherwood Association.

Various social functions held at Branch level during the year are very enjoyable events and also help with our fundraising efforts.