backbenches

If a minister was naughty, there was this sword that they used to fall upon and withdraw to this place called the backbenches where they lamented the fact they blew their chance in the government.

Archive 2008-01-01 Not a sheep 2008

The general feeling in Tory circles is that David Cameron is not in any way obliged to reshuffle to bring Davis back in after he wins his by-election; a stint on the backbenches is the price that Davis pays for his stand.

Gordon Brown, Charlie Whelan and Me 2008

The general feeling in Tory circles is that David Cameron is not in any way obliged to reshuffle to bring Davis back in after he wins his by-election; a stint on the backbenches is the price that Davis pays for his stand.

The Davis shuffle 2008

MARK COLVIN: We know from history, from the Keating, Hawke affair that the backbenches are a good place to campaign for the leadership.

unknown title 2009

There is obviously a segment of the Labour backbenches which is dissentient on this issue.

A Dishonourable Signature 2007

There is obviously a segment of the Labour backbenches which is dissentient on this issue.

Archive 2007-12-09 2007

After becoming an MP he climbed the ranks to become a whip and frontbench spokesman, but when Labour came to power in 1997 he returned to the backbenches.

Eric Illsley awaits sentencing over expenses conviction 2011

Mr. Wyden has been campaigning for such a reform for years from the Democratic backbenches.

The Wyden-Ryan Breakthrough 2011

On the day that nominations close for the shadow cabinet, I think it right to explain to you and party members why I think I can best support him from the backbenches.

David Miliband's farewell note Aditya Chakrabortty 2010

It is because it is so unusual for a former minister to return to the backbenches with a healthy appetite for parliamentary work that Jack Straw currently stands out.

In praise of ... senior backbenchers | Editorial 2011