front bench

noun

British.

1. (used with a singular verb),  (in the House of Commons) either of two seats near the Speaker, on which the leaders of the major parties sit.

2. (used with a singular or plural verb),  the leaders who occupy a front bench.

front bench

noun

1. 1. the foremost bench of either the Government or Opposition in the House of Commons

   2. the leadership ( frontbenchers ) of either group, who occupy this bench

   3. ( as modifier )

      a front-bench decision

2. the leadership of the government or opposition in various legislative assemblies

Other Word Forms

• front bencher noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of front bench¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

According to some media reports, the phone was placed near the front benches where government ministers sit.

From BBC

The clamour, among MPs and even the cabinet front bench, has become deafening.

From BBC

In her reshuffle, former Home Secretary James Cleverly was brought back to the front bench, with Badenoch saying that she wanted to "make sure all our heavy hitters" are there.

From BBC

Compared to some on the Tory front bench, he is a centrist Conservative, sceptical about the arguments for leaving the European Convention of on Human Rights.

From BBC

Sir James Cleverly, who previously served in government as the foreign secretary and home secretary, is expected to return to the front bench as part of the changes.

From BBC