Awkward Bench

English

Proper noun

the Awkward Bench

1. (UK politics, slang) The front row of seats below the gangway on the Labour side of the House of Commons, where rebel MPs often sit.
   • 1999, Robert Waller, Byron Criddle, The Almanac of British Politics, page 288:

     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 times, […]

   • 2005, Great Britain. Parliament. House of Commons, Parliamentary Debates (Hansard), page 451:

     I am pleased that he is on the awkward Bench and hope to see him here in future.

See also

• below the gangway