Access Conditions
Access to the CPA is restricted to postgraduate and academic researchers (Class A Reader's Card). Undergraduate researchers are generally allowed access to microform material (for details please see the Undergraduates page). Information on the admission procedure and a copy of the application form are available at Application to Read. When completing the application form please be sure to complete the section indicating that you require access to manuscripts, rare books or other rare materials, and get the form signed by a recommender.
For most unpublished and manuscript material in the CPA general access conditions apply (see below for details). Some sections of the archive have further restrictions. Please refer to the on-line catalogue for details of the access conditions that apply to each section.
All published and printed material, including transcripts of speeches, Party political broadcasts or election addresses, General Election posters, and Party publications, is available for research.
If you wish to view any CPA material, please contact the Conservative Party Archivist in advance at Jeremy.McIlwaine@bodleian.ox.ac.uk to reserve a place in the Duke Humfrey Reading Room and to request the material you require.
General Access Conditions
Most unpublished and manuscript material is subject to a 30-year rule. The conditions as of 1 January 2011 are as follows:
- Material dated up to 31 December 1980 is available for research.
- Material from 1 January 1981 to 31 December 1995 can be viewed only with permission from Conservative Campaign Headquarters (see Access Permission Applications below for contact details).
- Material dated after 31 December 1995 is closed.
Access Permission Applications
Below are a list of addresses to apply to for permission to access restricted material. Please consult the on-line catalogue and apply to the relevant address with an itemised list of the files you wish to access. [Guide to Access Permission Applications (PDF, 79 KB)]
Conservative Campaign Headquarters
Beth Armstrong, Conservative Campaign Headquarters, 30 Millbank, London, SW1P 4DP; Email: Beth.Armstrong@Conservatives.com
Whip's Office
The Chief Whip, Whip's Office - Party in Opposition, House of Commons, Westminster, London, SW1A OAA
1922 Committee
The Chairman, 1922 Committee, House of Commons, Westminster, London, SW1A OAA