1. the seats in a legislature occupied by members who are not government ministers or opposition leaders; also, the members who occupy these seats
Usage: British politics; plural form

Examples

• The proposal faced criticism from members on the backbenches.
• She spent several years on the backbenches before being promoted to minister.
• Backbench MPs often have more freedom to vote according to their conscience.
• The rebellion came from the Conservative backbenches.
• He returned to the backbenches after losing his cabinet position.
• The backbenches erupted in cheers when the amendment was announced.