Awkward Bench

The front row of seats below the gangway on the Labour side of the House of Commons, where rebel MPs often sit.

Proper noun

  1. The front row of seats below the gangway on the Labour side of the House of Commons, where rebel MPs often sit.
    • Described as 'a sabre-toothed growler on Labour's awkward bench' (Robert Hardman), he sits alongside Dennis Skinner a mere arm's length from the Chief Whip, whom, in opposition during the 1992 Parliament, he defied 52...
    • I am pleased that he is on the awkward Bench and hope to see him here in future. - 2005, Great Britain. Parliament. House of Commons, Parliamentary Debates (Hansard), page 451:

Forms

the Awkward Bench

Related

below the gangway