United Democratic Party (UK)

The United Democratic Party (UDP) was a minor political party in the United Kingdom. It was formed in 1974 by a group of Independent Conservatives disaffected with Edward Heath's leadership of the Conservative Party
During the February 1974 general election a number of unofficial and independent Tories had stood against the official party candidates. A number of these joined together after the election when it became clear that a second vote would be needed, forming the UDP as a right-wing alternative.
Boosted by some new members joining from the fading Independent Democratic Alliance, the UDP contested 13 seats in the October general election.<ref name"Boothroyd326"/> Led by James Tippett, the party's candidates were all based in the south of England and all failed to gain election.<ref name"Boothroyd326"/> The party's best result was in Cambridge where they won 885 votes (1.7% share),<ref name"Boothroyd325"/> a result influenced the candidate C.J. Curry being a well-known local business figure.<ref name"Boothroyd326"/>
The party disbanded soon after the general election with a single member continuing as a regular by-election candidate, albeit under the Independent banner.<ref name="Boothroyd326"/> A "United Democratic Party" candidate in the 1983 Bermondsey by-election had no connection to the earlier group.

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