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Backbencher: meaning, definitions and examples

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backbencher

 

[ ˈbækˌbɛn.tʃər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

politics, governance

A backbencher is a member of a legislative assembly, particularly in the UK Parliament, who does not hold a government office and is not part of the frontbench team. Backbenchers typically sit behind the frontbenchers in the chamber. They represent their constituents and contribute to debates and discussions but have limited influence on policy compared to ministers. Their role can include raising issues that affect ordinary citizens and holding the government accountable.

Synonyms

junior member, ordinary member.

Examples of usage

  • The backbencher raised concerns about local healthcare funding.
  • During the debate, the backbenchers voiced their opinions passionately.
  • Many backbenchers felt ignored in the new policy discussions.

Translations

Translations of the word "backbencher" in other languages:

🇵🇹 membro do parlamento que não ocupa cargo no governo

🇮🇳 पीछे बैठने वाला सदस्य

🇩🇪 Hinterbänkler

🇮🇩 anggota belakang

🇺🇦 депутат, який не займає урядову посаду

🇵🇱 posłowie z tylnych ław

🇯🇵 バックベンチャー

🇫🇷 député de l'opposition

🇪🇸 diputado de la oposición

🇹🇷 arka sıralardaki milletvekili

🇰🇷 백벤처 의원

🇸🇦 نائب من الصفوف الخلفية

🇨🇿 poslanec na zadních lavicích

🇸🇰 poslanec zo zadných lavíc

🇨🇳 后座议员

🇸🇮 poslanec iz zadnjih klopi

🇮🇸 bakklæddur þingmaður

🇰🇿 артқы орындық депутат

🇬🇪 უკანა რიგის დეპუტატი

🇦🇿 arxa sıradakı deputat

🇲🇽 diputado de la oposición

Etymology

The term 'backbencher' originated in the United Kingdom and emerged in the early 20th century. It describes a member of Parliament who sits behind the frontbenchers, the elected officials who are part of the government or the official opposition. The frontbenchers participate directly in leading debates and formulating policy, while backbenchers often focus on representing the interests of their constituents. As political structures evolved, especially with the advent of party politics, the distinction between backbenchers and frontbenchers became more pronounced. Backbenchers play a crucial role in the legislative process, often serving as a voice for the electorate and voicing concerns and ideas that may not be addressed at the higher levels of government.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,142, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.