backbench
noun
back·bench ˈbak-ˈbench 
often attributive
: a bench in a British legislature (such as the House of Commons) occupied by rank-and-file members compare front bench
backbencher
ˈbak-ˈben-chər
noun 
Example Sentences
the Prime Minister's supporters on the backbenches
Recent Examples on the Web Could attacking backbench members of the House GOP backfire? 
Erin B. Logan, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2022 Those close to her describe only one option as inconceivable: a demotion to the backbench. Shane Goldmacher, BostonGlobe.com, 14 Aug. 2022 The process will likely take several weeks, determined by a timetable set by the 1922 Committee, which represents backbench lawmakers who are not on the government payroll. Alexander Smith, NBC News, 9 July 2022 Tom Tugendhat, 49, is largely known as an outspoken backbench lawmaker and critic of Johnson. Adela Suliman, Washington Post, 7 July 2022 British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will face a vote of confidence in Parliament on Monday night, London time, after a backbench revolt by members of his own Conservative Party, Sir Graham Brady announced Monday morning. Peter Weber, The Week, 6 June 2022 And until now, the total number of letters has only been known by one man, Graham Brady, chairman of a group called the 1922 Committee, which represents backbench Conservative lawmakers. Alexander Smith, NBC News, 6 June 2022 May served as prime minister from 2016 to 2019 and continues to serve as a backbench member of Parliament. Grayson Quay, The Week, 31 Jan. 2022 That could cost the quiet backbench Democrat Jerry McNerney, who might find himself a sacrificial lamb. New York Times, 7 Dec. 2021 See More
Erin B. Logan, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2022 Those close to her describe only one option as inconceivable: a demotion to the backbench. Shane Goldmacher, BostonGlobe.com, 14 Aug. 2022 The process will likely take several weeks, determined by a timetable set by the 1922 Committee, which represents backbench lawmakers who are not on the government payroll. Alexander Smith, NBC News, 9 July 2022 Tom Tugendhat, 49, is largely known as an outspoken backbench lawmaker and critic of Johnson. Adela Suliman, Washington Post, 7 July 2022 British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will face a vote of confidence in Parliament on Monday night, London time, after a backbench revolt by members of his own Conservative Party, Sir Graham Brady announced Monday morning. Peter Weber, The Week, 6 June 2022 And until now, the total number of letters has only been known by one man, Graham Brady, chairman of a group called the 1922 Committee, which represents backbench Conservative lawmakers. Alexander Smith, NBC News, 6 June 2022 May served as prime minister from 2016 to 2019 and continues to serve as a backbench member of Parliament. Grayson Quay, The Week, 31 Jan. 2022 That could cost the quiet backbench Democrat Jerry McNerney, who might find himself a sacrificial lamb. New York Times, 7 Dec. 2021 See More Word History
First Known Use
1799, in the meaning defined above