front bench

noun

, British.

1. (used with a singular verb) (in the House of Commons) either of two seats near the Speaker, on which the leaders of the major parties sit.
2. (used with a singular or plural verb) the leaders who occupy a front bench.

front bench

noun

1. 1. the foremost bench of either the Government or Opposition in the House of Commons
   2. the leadership ( frontbenchers ) of either group, who occupy this bench
   3. ( as modifier )

      a front-bench decision

2. the leadership of the government or opposition in various legislative assemblies

Other Words From

• front bencher noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of front bench¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

"Let me tell you where the failures lie in this entire ferry scandal - it's right there on the SNP front benches," he said.

From BBC

With appointments to her shadow cabinet expected in the next couple of days, Badenoch said she wanted to show the party was united with a meritocratically selected front bench.

From BBC

A Welsh Conservative politician who was investigated over the timing of a bet on the general election has returned to his party's front bench.

From BBC

But one senior source suggested that the effect of Starmer’s rule-following mantra, is that his front bench think they are squeaky clean - “doing God’s work”.

From BBC

In November she quit the Labour party front bench over a ceasefire vote on Gaza.

From BBC