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

Example Sentences

Following pressure from Labour backbenchers, the government said it would lift the restriction - a change that will come into force from April.

From BBC

The peers also argued that a backbencher's bill was the "wrong vehicle for a change of this scale and sensitivity" and expressed concern that supporters could try to "force" the bill through Parliament.

From BBC

"The problem is there's such a huge trust deficit between parents and government on this issue," one Labour backbencher said.

From BBC

One told me: "We would say, 'Why don't you engage with women? Why wouldn't you engage with backbenchers?' They just looked utterly baffled - he wouldn't engage."

From BBC

No 10's attempts to mollify backbenchers will continue in the coming days, with the 37 Scottish Labour MPs getting particular close attention.

From BBC