National Coalition Party of Rutania

The National Coalition Party is a liberal and conservative "catch-all" centre-right political party in the Commonwealth of Rutania. The NCP has roots in other political parties, most notably Labor, Moderates, Progressive Conservatives, Liberals, Free Democrats, Social Democrats, and the Labour Party.

History
Following the failure of the Rutanian House of Representatives to elect a government after the double elections of 4289, Adam Pollard, a management consultant, decided to launch a new party to protest the major parties that he felt were ineffective in the House.

Under Pollard
Adam Pollard's first leadership team consisted of five members: Pollard, Tony Ivey, Margaret Catto, George Carlisle, and Samantha Hewitt. In January 4293, Pollard released the party’s first election manifesto – months ahead of the scheduled November general election. Pollard also announced that the party would not contest the presidential election, as he did not believe it necessary to have both a president and a prime minister. He suggested that the Head of State be hereditary and symbolic while the Head of Government chair the cabinet. Consequently, Pollard made it clear that his party’s disapproval of the nation’s presidency also meant that the party would not endorse another candidate for the role. Notably, Pollard campaigned heavily on the reintroduction of titles for the nobility. The center right generally supported this proposal although the House ultimately rejected it by a relatively narrow 334-416 vote.

Pollard also pushed for a significant reduction in the size of the House of Representatives. He argued that there should be a maximum of 150 representatives in the House. This proposal was met with widespread derision from the major parties, although roughly a third of the House supported Pollard’s measure. He also attempted to reform the House by proposing that members no longer be exempt from any civil or criminal liability for their actions or speech during their time in office.

He also prompted a national debate over the nation’s national service requirements. Pollard argued that there should be no mandatory military or civilian national service. While public opinion generally supported Pollard, the House overwhelmingly rejected his measure.

Throughout the next months, the party announced a slate of 300 candidates for the House of Representatives. During this time, Eve Waters, David Mallory, Denis Brennan, Roger Quand, and Tilly Gregory became key figures within the party hierarchy. The party’s leadership privately set a target of electing 50 representatives to the House. The intention was for the party to ultimately hold the balance of power in the House and join government.

The November 4293 elections proved to be a massive success for the party. The National Coalition Party won nearly 20% of the vote and claimed 149 seats in the House. Adam Pollard immediately started negotiations to join government. After a month, Prime Minister Royce Blood resigned and in April 4294, President Hiram Blythe asked Pollard to form a government. Pollard's government was approved by the House by a vote of 398-83.

In November 4297, Pollard's government was overwhelmingly defeated and the governing coalition lost its majority in the House of Representatives. Pollard immediately announced his intention to resign as Prime Minister and Party Leader. He would stay on in both positions until a new government could be formed.

Under Curtis
Under Luke Curtis, the party focused heavily on diversifying the party. After just under two years as leader, Curtis instituted a massive reshuffle of the party’s front bench. Consequently, a number of the party’s founders stepped down and retired from the House.