shadow cabinet

American  

noun

1. (in the British Parliament) a group of prominent members of the opposition who are expected to hold positions in the cabinet when their party assumes power.

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Etymology

Origin of shadow cabinet

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

There had been some talk that Sir James Cleverly could take up the mantle of a critic within the ranks, but he's kept a low and loyal profile since returning to the shadow cabinet.

From BBC • May 8, 2026

So, Tory HQ is braced for another battering, just as they suffered last year when, as one member of the shadow cabinet admits, "we were in a total mess".

From BBC • May 2, 2026

A former barrister, Turner was elected as an MP in 2010 and served in the shadow cabinet of former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

The Liberal Party leader said both parties had patched up with an agreement that neither party could overturn decisions taken by the coalition's joint "shadow cabinet" of senior lawmakers.

From Barron's • Feb. 8, 2026

They also agreed that National Party lawmakers including the three senators who had resigned could return to the shadow cabinet in March, local media said.

From Barron's • Feb. 8, 2026