This paper will focus on the participation of elderly members ( generally understood as aged 65+) in the three main political parties in the UK (Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrats). It will provide an overview of information available from secondary sources but also draw on interviews conducted both with local political party members and with national party figures. The object in the first instance will be to examine the extent and range of political contributions made by elderly party members; to evaluate these contributions; and to consider such members’ motivations and the way they are perceived by other relevant groups. This will lead to broader reflections on the relevance of older party members, positive and negative, for local party democracy and national party viability.
