shadow cabinet

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of shadow cabinet¹

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

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

In 2021, at the lowest ebb of Sir Keir's leadership, she was brought into the shadow cabinet to take charge of Labour's election campaign infrastructure.

From BBC

Conservative shadow cabinet office minister Mike Wood said the UK's public services "deserve talent chosen on ability".

From BBC

Badenoch's interview with the Financial Times comes after she reshuffled her shadow cabinet this week, just eight months into her leadership of the party.

From BBC