A backbencher is a Member of Parliament or a legislature who does not hold governmental office and is not a Front Bench spokesperson in the Opposition. A backbencher may be a new parliamentary member yet to receive high office, a senior figure dropped from government, or someone who for whatever reason is not chosen to sit either in the cabinet or the opposition Shadow Cabinet.
In most parliamentary systems, backbenchers individually do not have much power to influence government policy. However, they are important in providing services to their constituents and in relaying the opinions of their constituents. In addition, backbenchers collectively can sometimes exercise considerable power especially in cases where the policies of the government are unpopular or when a governing party is internally split.
It's early days in his non-campaign, but the Backbencher is very much hoping that Mike will favour us with his views on Metronet.
Speaking of the redoubtable Mr Dale, the Backbencher understands that a recent Daleblog survey has revealed a worrying deficit in female readers.
For a chance of winning it, just tell the Backbencher what colour underpants Tony was wearing when he accused Alastair Campbell of envying his body and asked how many PMs "have a body like this".
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