backbencher

American  

[bak-ben-cher, -ben-] / ˈbækˈbɛn tʃər, -ˌbɛn- /

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.

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backbencher British  

/ ˈbækˈbɛntʃə /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of backbencher

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

Explanation

In parliamentary governments, backbenchers are the legislators who hold the least amount of power. Backbenchers don't set policy, and they never sit in the front row. The political term backbencher, coined in the late 19th century, came from the fact that these members sit behind the so-called "frontbench" in the House of Parliament. That powerful front row holds party spokespeople and government ministers. Backbenchers, on the other hand, tend to be newly elected, critical of their party's policies, or simply out of the spotlight. In parliamentary governments, like those in the U.K. and Canada, most members of parliament are backbenchers.

Example Sentences

Backbencher Steve Baker archly tweeted a public health poster from the time.

From BBC • May 23, 2022

Backbencher David Lammy was the most senior Labour figure to address the crowds, which organisers have said numbered at least 100,000.

From BBC • Jun. 24, 2018

One of the busiest M.P.s is Tory Backbencher Sir Cyril Black, who at last count was chairman of some 40 companies and director of a dozen more.

From Time Magazine Archive

In a crowded and solemn House of Commons, the black-gowned Clerk of the House rose to his feet and pointed wordlessly at Tory Backbencher Sir Hugh O'Neill, 68, Father of the House.

From Time Magazine Archive

Tory Backbencher Hugh Linstead tried to forward a concern of his own and moved a prayer* against the government's easing of restrictions on imported glassware.

From Time Magazine Archive