a member of the House of Commons of Great Britain who is not a party leader.

(Local government) A Councillor who is not a member of a Council's decision-making Executive. Backbenchers vote on their local authority's policy framework and sit on scrutiny committees, as well representing their constituents.

A Member of Parliament who is not a Minister and holds no special office (such as President or Speaker); the name is used because such Members sit on the benches at the back of the House.

a Member of Parliament who does not hold a leadership position in his or her party

an MP or provincial MLA seldom involved in party planning or policy creation, but who might sit on committees

A Member of Parliament or of the Legislative Assembly who does not hold a Cabinet position.

A Member who is not a minister of the Crown, a Parliamentary Secretary, a House Leader, a Whip, or an Opposition critic.

A member of Parliament without special ministerial duties.

A Member of Parliament who is not a Minister or holder of any special office.

A "private member" who is not a minister, parliamentary assistant or leading member of the opposition. Historically, he or she occupied a back bench in the Legislative Chamber.

A parliamentarian who is neither a minister, nor a Parliamentary Secretary nor an Opposition critic.

a member of the legislature who is not a party leader, a minister of the governing party or an Opposition critic ("frontbencher"). The term "benches" refers to the wooden benches of the British House of Commons, where members sit on benches in rows. The frontbenches are occupied by ministers on the government side and Opposition critics (or "shadow ministers") on the opposing side.

a member of parliament who is not a minister or a shadow minister and sits behind the front bench (on the back bench) in the chambers.