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

Despite this, Burnham was the only leadership candidate to serve in Corbyn's shadow cabinet, as shadow home secretary.

From BBC ● May 14, 2026

Just a year later he was promoted into the shadow cabinet during a reshuffle, in the short-lived position of shadow secretary of state for child poverty.

From BBC ● May 13, 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

There had been some talk that Sir James Cleverly could take up the mantle of a critic within the ranks, but he's kept a low and loyal profile since returning to the shadow cabinet.

From BBC ● May 8, 2026

So, Tory HQ is braced for another battering, just as they suffered last year when, as one member of the shadow cabinet admits, "we were in a total mess".

From BBC ● May 2, 2026