backbencher

[bak-ben-cher, -ben-]

noun

1. any of the members of a legislature, especially of the House of Commons of Great Britain, but not including the leaders of the parties.

backbencher

/ ˈbækˈbɛntʃə /

noun

1. a Member of Parliament who does not hold office in the government or opposition

Word History and Origins

Origin of backbencher¹

First recorded in 1905–10; back bench + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Badenoch urged the home secretary to work with the Conservatives, saying she may find their votes would "come in handy" if Labour backbenchers did not support the changes.

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GOP backbenchers like this idea because it lets them target Nancy Pelosi and her financier husband, Paul.

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An attempt over the summer to cut some particularly generous welfare benefits collapsed amid a rebellion from Labour backbenchers in Parliament, putting welfare reform off the table.

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The prime minister was seen mingling with Welsh MPs on the estate and No 10's chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, also met Welsh backbenchers to hear concerns.

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The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, has called the broader benefits system unsustainable and unfair but so far selling welfare reform to Labour backbenchers has proved a political minefield for Number 10.

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