File containing various papers/copied records relating to the launch and significant events in the development of the SDP during the Party's first years; includes:

• Copy of the first issue of the Social Democrat newspaper, Apr 1981, reporting on the launch of the party.
• Copies/drafts memorandum and papers by David Owen on development of SDP organisation/policy Mar 1981-Apr 1982
• Annotated copy of SDP Parliamentary Report [1981]
• Material re mailing for re-subscriptions; including copy of SDP re-subscription package prepared by Fletcher Shelton Delaney & Reynolds Ltd, 1981; copy of annual letter re renewal of subscriptions and illustrated annual report leaflet for SDP members, 1982
• Copies of policy discussion papers for the Oct 1981 conference
• Material re the SDP/Liberal Alliance, including copy of letter sent by David Owen to Stephen Wall on his misgivings over Roy Jenkins and the SDP/Liberal Alliance, 12 Nov 1981; copy of letter sent by David Owen to Mike Thomas discussing pros and cons of alliance with Liberals, 5 Oct 1982; collection of photocopied news cuttings Apr-Sep 1981; copy of booklet produced by the SDP/Liberal Alliance: Working together for Britain: programme for Government 1983
• Copy of the Constitution of the Social Democratic Party
• Copy of letter from David Owen to members of the SDP Parliamentary Committee concerning decision of Roy Jenkins to campaign through television for SDP leadership election, 17 Jun 1982
• Further memorandum/copy letters etc re organisation and policy of the party