The Social Market Foundation is a think tank based in the UK. It was formed in 1989 by supporters of David Owen after the SDP disbanded.

The SMF was established 'to provide a source of innovative economic and social policy ideas.' The organisation has no formal links with political parties, although it was described as John Major's favourite think-tank during his time in Downing Street.

Currently its chairman is the Labour peer Lord David Lipsey, and its director is Ann Rossiter.

Former directors include Rick Nye, who went on to become Head of Research at the Conservative party, Katherine Raymond and Phil Collins, who left to join the Prime Minister's Strategy Unit. Lord Skidelsky was originally chairman.

See also

*List of UK think tanks

External links

*Official website
Category:Political and economic think tanks based in the United Kingdom