Backbenchers

Question 1

What is a backbencher

Answer 1

An MP who is not allowed to sit on the two front benches in the Commons as they are not in the government

Question 2

Do backbenchers have any power?

Answer 2

*when acting together, backbenchers in theory have the power to reject government proposals (outnumber frontbenches 6:1)

*in reality the Commons is controlled and dominated by the EXECUTIVE with whips ensuring government defeats are rare

*a government majority usually protects them from defeat eg Tony Blair 1997 majority of over 160 (Keir Starmer has over 150 majority)

*however, even the most powerful PM’s have been brought down by backbench rebellions eg Theresa May defeated on 33 divisions over Brexit

Question 3

What are the role of backbenchers

Answer 3

PMB’s-have chance to put forward their own proposed bills for legislation. This is chosen by lottery and often needs government backing to succeed

PMQ’s-takes place weekly, every Wednesday for 30 minutes and gives backbenchers the chance to raise issues from the Constituency or quiz the PM on Government Policy

Written and oral questions to ministers-have right to ask questions and ministers have to respond to these

Motions-they can put down MOTIONS and these are debates on specific issues. This provides an opportunity to hold the government to account on an issue (eg early day motion)

Question 4

What are backbench rebellions?

Answer 4

*when backbenchers unite in a common cause in an effort to defeat the government (or their party) on an issue

*these are rare due to tight party control and discipline

*often ‘ideological wings’ of parties which will not always agree with their party on issues and may continually vote against issues based on their viewpoint Eg before Brexit, conservatives and ERG

ANTI TERRORISM BILL 2005 — Labour MP’s voted against it 27 times

IRAQ 2003 — 2 serious rebellions with 121 and 137 Labour MP’s voting against their own party and government over the issue

Question 5

Can a backbencher vote the way they want? (No)

Answer 5

*most parties instruct their MP’s on how to vote through their WHIPS and those who vote against can:
-lose their chance of promotion
-may be de-selected as Party candidate at next election
-can have whip withdrawn - losing their party means of support

*ministers or junior ministers have to resign or be sacked for voting against the whips instructions

*some suggest this reduces MP’s independence and turns them simply into ‘PARTY DRONES’

Question 6

Can backbenchers vote the way they want (yes)

Answer 6

*there are times when MP’s are allowed a free hand in how to vote

*FREE VOTES- allow MP’s the choice to vote how they please (often matters of conscience eg abortion or the death penalty)

*LEEWAY- also given on issues that may affect an MP’s constituency

*a discontented and divided party may also rebel against their own party on votes

Eg John Major (Tory) had a rebellion on the issue of Europe and had to call on the support of the Ulster Unionists