backbencher

[ bak-ben-cher, -ben- ]

noun

1. 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

/ ˈbækˈbɛntʃə /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of backbencher¹

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

Example Sentences

But in fact, Trulieve—which won Florida’s first medical marijuana license in 2015—had ties to Tallahassee Republicans when DeSantis was a congressional backbencher.

From Slate

Labour backbencher Chris Ward said there was "concern among veterans" about the impact of the cap on payments.

From BBC

One of those Labour MPs to vote in favour was Keir Starmer, now prime minister, but then just a backbencher.

From BBC

Much has been said and written about Sir Keir’s journey from backbencher to the Labour leadership – and now to Downing Street.

From BBC

Now the 56-year-old backbencher has the chance to make a name for herself in a different way, as she was picked third in the Private Members Bill ballot so will be able to bring forward her own draft law and has a better chance than most of seeing it adopted by the government.

From BBC