[3] Its foundation date makes it the oldest political society founded at an English university.

[5] Originally holding premises on the corner of Cornmarket Street and George Street, open for the majority of the day, the society was modeled after the usual gentlemen's clubs of the day, before the arrival of World War I and the general reduction in the student body of Oxford.

[5] Revitalisation occurred with the coming to the fore of Harold Wilson, Treasurer in Hilary 1935, along with Frank Byers as president and Raymond Walton as secretary.

After merging the Oxford University Liberal Club and the Oxford University Social Democrats in 1987, however, the society in its present structure was formed, with a smaller membership focussed more heavily on campaigning, but maintaining the social functions from its post-war heyday.

Zagham served as President for Trinity and Michaelmas terms, and the society functioned much like the Oxford University Conservative Association or Labour Club, hosting a weekly debate-drinking event, speakers and debates.