shadow cabinet

American

noun

(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.

Etymology

Origin of shadow cabinet

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

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shadow cabinet

Kemi Badenoch reshuffled her shadow cabinet team on Monday in preparation for this moment.

From BBC ● Sep. 1, 2026

Reacting to Sir James's announcement, a source said Badenoch "really didn't want James to leave shadow cabinet", but believed "he will be a big asset in London".

From BBC ● Aug. 29, 2026

David was offered a shadow cabinet role but opted to leave British politics altogether, taking up a job as the head of the International Rescue charity in New York in 2013.

From BBC ● Jul. 20, 2026

He served in Corbyn's shadow cabinet, as shadow home secretary, despite being seen as on the Blairite centre-right of the party.

From BBC ● Jun. 22, 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 ● May 14, 2026

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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023