backbenchers
Backbenchers are members of a legislature who do not hold ministerial portfolios or formal opposition front-bench positions. The term originates from seating in the chamber, where non-government and non-shadow ministers traditionally sat on the benches furthest from the speaker. In Westminster-style systems, backbenchers are contrasted with frontbenchers, who compose the cabinet and shadow cabinet, and with backbench groups or whips who manage party discipline.
Backbenchers contribute through debates, participation in committees (standing, select, or joint), and by asking questions to
Influence tends to be limited by party control of agenda, but backbenchers can shape policy through committee