backbench
/ˈbækˌbɛntʃ/
noun
- The seats in a parliament or legislature where members who do not hold a leadership or ministerial position sit.
- He moved from the backbench to a cabinet position after the election.
- The new MP was assigned to the backbench during her first term.
- Debates on the backbench often focus on local issues rather than national policy.
adjective
- Relating to or characteristic of a backbench member of parliament.
- His backbench role allowed him to speak freely without party pressure.
- The backbench committee reviewed the proposed law carefully.
- She gave a powerful backbench speech about education reform.