The Birmingham leaders, who controlled the Federation, naturally desired to increase its power by extending the number of affiliated bodies as much as possible; while the local associations found an advantage in joining it as soon as it became a factor in Liberal politics.
"The Government of England (Vol. I)"
A. Lawrence Lowell
As late as 1878 not more than two hundred and sixty-six out of the nine hundred and fifty Conservative associations were affiliated to the Union, and delegates from only forty-seven of them attended the Conference.
"The Government of England (Vol. I)"
A. Lawrence Lowell
The most important provision was that every Conservative association should be affiliated without the need of any formal action.
"The Government of England (Vol. I)"
A. Lawrence Lowell