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

Before becoming Manchester mayor in 2017, Burnham served as a cabinet and shadow cabinet minister under successive Labour leaders and made two unsuccessful Labour leadership bids.

From BBC

She had been one of a few party centrists to stay in the shadow cabinet when Jeremy Corbyn, who came from the left of the party, unexpectedly became Labour leader.

From BBC

The main hall has not been full for speeches by members of the shadow cabinet but Badenoch said her own speech had been "standing room only".

From BBC

She served in Sir Keir Starmer's shadow cabinet before the general election and expected to be offered a cabinet job in his government after Labour had won.

From BBC

Backbench MP Barry Gardiner, a former member of Corbyn's shadow cabinet who had been floated by some on the left of the party as a potential candidate, has also said he will not stand.

From BBC