Why did the Webbs seek support from both Conservative and Liberal politicians?

Sidney and Beatrice Webb sought support from both Conservative and Liberal politicians as part of a political strategy known as permeation.12

As members of the Fabian Society, the Webbs aimed to advance democratic socialist policies through evolutionary means rather than revolution. By attempting to convert influential individuals to their ideas regardless of their specific political affiliations, they hoped to push through social and political reforms. For example, they engaged with both the Conservative Prime Minister Lord Balfour and his Liberal rival, Lord Rosebery, to gain support for their initiatives.341

This pragmatic approach allowed the Webbs to influence public policy and institutional development, such as their work on the Education Acts of 1902 and 1903. However, this strategy became less effective following the rise of a large Liberal majority in 1906, eventually leading the Webbs to focus their efforts on the fledgling Labour Party.14