Backbencher Influence

Question 1

How can backbenchers scruntise parliament?

Answer 1

○ Question to Ministers & debate ->Backbench Business Committee
○ Private Member Bills
○ Rebellions
○ Vote of no confidence
○ Amending legislation

Question 2

What is the Backbench Business Committee (BBC)?

Answer 2

• The BBC was created in 2010 with the Wright Reforms.
• Backbench MPs get to choose topics for debates in the Commons on 35 days each Parliamentary session.
• Constituency issues and petitions are usually discussed here.

Question 3

Evidence to support that Backbencher Influence has increased:

Answer 3

○ Creation of the Backbench Business Committee 2010
○ More backbench rebellions

Question 4

Example Bank

Example of Backbenchers being ‘Lobby Fodders’ (always loyal to their party)

Answer 4

Margaret Thatcher (11-year reign) and Tony Blair (10-year reign) only faced 4 defeats each during their whole reigns.

Question 5

Example Bank

Examples of there being an increasing number of backbencher rebellions recently

Answer 5

• Theresa May had many dramatic defeats on her Brexit deals- once by 230 Votes.
• 96 Conservative MPs voted against covid passports.
• Boris Johnson, Liss Truss, and Rishi Sunak have also suffered rebellions and threats of rebellions.

Question 6

Example Bank

Example of important Private Members Bills

Answer 6

• Abortion Act 1967

Question 7

Example Bank

Example of how Private Members Bill can raise attention of issues even if they are not passed

Answer 7

• 2018 upskirting bill