backbencher

[bak-ben-cher, -ben-]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

any of the members of a legislature, especially of the House of Commons of Great Britain, but not including the leaders of the parties.

backbencher

/ ˈ��æ��ˈ��ɛ�Գ�ʃə /

noun

a Member of Parliament who does not hold office in the government or opposition

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of backbencher¹

First recorded in 1905–10; back bench + -er ¹

Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

However, following pressure from charities, unions and its own backbenchers, the Labour government announced it would partially reverse that decision, expanding eligibility to more than three-quarters of pensioners.

From

Pressure from Labour backbenchers over both issues - as well as on winter fuel payments - has been growing since the party's poor performance at local election's in May.

From

Pressure has also grown from Labour backbenchers over the issue since the party's poor performance at the local elections earlier this year.

From

Pressure from Labour backbenchers over the issue - as well as cuts to welfare - have intensified since the Labour's poor performance at the local elections earlier this year.

From

One ambitious backbencher has backed a land tax and argued for £20bn of revenue-raising, including a revaluation of council tax in England, and higher levies on the savings and investments of high earners.

From

back bench backbend

Browse