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

See Examples For:

shadow cabinet

The Daily Mail leads with the Conservative Party shadow cabinet reshuffle, as leader Kemi Badenoch prepares her team for the return to Parliament on Tuesday.

From BBC ● Sep. 1, 2026

Conservative MP Sir James Cleverly has said he is resigning from the shadow cabinet to run for London mayor.

From BBC ● Aug. 29, 2026

A self-described "proper working-class" woman, Rayner rose quickly in Westminster, taking up the women and equalities and education briefs in the shadow cabinet of former Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn.

From BBC ● Jul. 21, 2026

Despite nominating former boss Nandy in the 2020 contest to replace him, eventual winner Sir Keir Starmer promoted her into the shadow cabinet as shadow Northern Ireland secretary, before she later became shadow transport secretary.

From BBC ● Jul. 20, 2026

Reform's successes also included taking Essex County Council, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch's local authority and an area where six Tory shadow cabinet members are MPs.

From BBC ● May 9, 2026