BRITISH CONSERVATISM AND THE PRIMROSE LEAGUE ... - ideals

28
By the end of the year, then, the Primrose League had taken
tentative steps toward establishing itself as a viable political
organization.
Its distinctive character and structure were beginning
to become apparent, if only partially composed.
The organization had
been initiated from "above," perhaps not by the glittering array of
notables which were to adorn its ranks in subsequent years, but from a
band of political supporters loyal to Randolph Churchill and active in
the National Union.
The organization proceeded in this early phase of development
from the center to the periphery, its origin and impetus emanating from
Churchill and the political environs of Westminster.
It was not an
enthusiastic reaction of rank and file Conservative supporters
generated spontaneously from the countryside.
However, it did manage
to gain support from back-bench Conservatives and lesser ranked
political figures.34
The creation of the organization of the Primrose League was ad
hoc in character, proceeding from the haphazard goals and inspiration
of the Churchill
camp and equipped with sufficient organization to
allow for future growth.
A lack of systematic planning and ill-defined
goals suggested its provisional status. The specific purpose of the
League remained ambiguous, implying support for conventional party aims
while indirectly posing a challenge.
A great deal would happen in the
new year to give shape and direction to League activities.
34 This was particularly relevant in the composition of the
League and its Ruling Council during its initial stage of growth.