backbencher

/ˈbækˈbɛntʃər/

Other forms: backbenchers

In parliamentary governments, backbenchers are the legislators who hold the least amount of power. Backbenchers don't set policy, and they never sit in the front row.

The political term backbencher, coined in the late 19th century, came from the fact that these members sit behind the so-called "frontbench" in the House of Parliament. That powerful front row holds party spokespeople and government ministers. Backbenchers, on the other hand, tend to be newly elected, critical of their party's policies, or simply out of the spotlight. In parliamentary governments, like those in the U.K. and Canada, most members of parliament are backbenchers.

Definitions of backbencher

1. noun

   a member of the House of Commons who is not a party leader
   type of:

   legislator

   someone who makes or enacts laws