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 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

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

As the party with the largest number of MPs behind Labour, the Conservatives are the official opposition with a shadow cabinet mirroring government ministers.

From BBC ● Feb. 17, 2026

It is unclear if Taylor's allies in Ley's shadow cabinet will follow with resignations of their own.

From BBC ● Feb. 11, 2026