Red Toryism emerged as a prominent political discourse in February 2009 after Phillip Blond published a cover story in Prospect magazine. The essay challenged established economic and social norms by proposing a form of traditionalist conservatism that stood against both state monopoly and unfettered market dominance, marking a significant intervention in contemporary British political theory.
Academic Foundation
Born in Liverpool in 1966, Blond attended Pensby High School for Boys before pursuing higher education. He studied politics and philosophy at the University of Hull and continued his education at the University of Warwick. His theological studies took place at Peterhouse, part of the University of Cambridge, where he studied under John Milbank, a central figure in the radical orthodoxy movement. His early intellectual output includes the 1998 book Post-Secular Philosophy: Between Philosophy and Theology, which he edited.
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Blond held various academic positions throughout his career. He served as a senior lecturer in Christian theology at the Lancaster campus of St Martin's College. Following the merger with the Cumbria Institute of the Arts in August 2007, he continued working at the University of Cumbria. Additionally, he held a teaching role within the Department of Theology at the University of Exeter and secured a prize research fellowship at the New School for Social Research in New York.
Think Tanks and Policy Influence
Before founding his own institution, ResPublica, Blond directed the Progressive Conservatism Project at the London-based think tank Demos. He gained public attention in 2010 when The Daily Telegraph identified him as an influential force behind David Cameron's Big Society agenda. Through his work at ResPublica, he has produced reports such as The Way Ahead for the UK's Core Cities, which focuses on devolution and public service reform.
Political Philosophy
Blond's work suggests that state power and market individualism are structurally linked. He critiques this alignment through his books, including Red Tory: How Left and Right Have Broken Britain and How We Can Fix It and Radical Republic. He frequently contributed to national outlets like The Guardian and The Independent to advocate for civic conservatism. He is also a fellow of the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts.
Fast facts
- Born: 1 March 1966, Liverpool
- Nationality: United Kingdom
- Education: University of Hull, University of Warwick, Peterhouse
- Key Publication: Red Tory: How Left and Right Have Broken Britain and How We Can Fix It
- Think Tank: ResPublica
- Professional Field: Political Philosophy and Christian Theology
Questions readers ask
What is Red Toryism?
It is a form of traditionalist, communitarian conservatism that argues against the dominance of both the state and the market.
Where has Phillip Blond taught?
He has held academic roles at St Martin's College, the University of Cumbria, and the University of Exeter.
Achievements
- Held posts at University of Exeter
- Fields: political philosophy, Church of England and Christian theology
