BRITISH CONSERVATISM AND THE PRIMROSE LEAGUE ... - ideals

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In addition to providing speakers at local functions sponsored
by the Habitations and maintaining ongoing canvassing and conveyancing
services for Unionist parliamentary candidates, the LGC began early in
the 1890's to extend its endeavors to other fronts. Particularly
noteworthy was its participation in metropolitan contests where
national political issues had come to dominate increasingly local
elections, most notably the school board and London County Council
(LCC) contests.
Distressed at the progressive "Lib-Lab" LCC victory of 1892,
the LGC, at the suggestion of its Presidents, the Duchess of
Marlborough and the Marchioness of Salisbury, wrote the Vice Chancellor
of the Grand Council, Lane-Fox, complaining of the poor showing made by
moderates and requesting an investigation.
In addressing the Ladies'
executive, Primrose League metropolitan agent De Grey attributed
Conservative losses, in declining order of importance, to apathy, late
entries, lack of a definite program, support for Radical policies, and
"the election being held on Saturday."5
The election results were actively challenged by the LGC in
June, 1894 through the formation of a metropolitan registry of women
volunteers devoted to strengthening Unionist representation in London.
A member of the Grand Council provided instructions to women regarding
the proper canvassing and registration procedures.
The following
month, through Lady Salisbury's instigation, the LGC became involved in
Ibid., 14 May 1891; 29 May 1891; 25 June 1891; 3 July 1891; 17 July
1891; 6 November 1891; 15 January 1892; 19 February 1892.
5
Ibid., 18 March 1892; 1 April 1892.