Definition

1. Noun:
   • A member of a legislative body, especially the British House of Commons or House of Lords, who does not vote regularly with either the government or the main opposition party: A crossbencher is typically an independent or non-aligned member who sits on the benches that cross the chamber, perpendicular to those of the government and opposition.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The independent peer was a respected crossbencher in the House of Lords.
  • The bill's fate depended on the votes of several key crossbenchers.

Advanced Usage

• "To sit as a crossbencher": To hold a position as an independent, non-aligned member.
  • After leaving his party, he chose to sit as a crossbencher.

Variants and Related Words

• Crossbench (noun): The benches in a legislative chamber where crossbenchers sit; the collective group of crossbenchers.
  • The issue was debated from the crossbench.

Synonyms

• Independent: A politician not affiliated with any political party.
• Non-aligned member: A legislator not formally aligned with a major party bloc.

Related Phrases

• Crossbench opinion: The view or influence of the independent members.
  • The minister had to consider crossbench opinion to secure the bill's passage.

Noun

1. a member of the House of Commons who does not vote regularly with either the government or the Opposition