United Kingdom The most important backbench role is that of a constituency representative; constituents rely heavily on their MPs to represent them in parliament and make sure their concerns are heard, whether or not they voted for the MP representing them. Constituents may email and meet their MPs, raising the issues and concerns they want the government to hear. Backbenchers have an opportunity to raise their constituents' concerns directly to the
prime minister in
Prime Minister's Questions. Backbenchers also have an unofficial agenda-setting power, with Opposition Day debates,
private member's bills, and
Prime Minister's Questions available to place items on the parliamentary agenda which are awkward for the government. The
Wright Committee reforms introduced in the UK provided backbenchers with much more power in committees, giving Parliament greater control of its agenda, and increasing backbench membership in committees vastly. Additionally, the
Commons Backbench Business Committee was created in 2010 with cross-party support. It debates matters unlikely to be debated in government time, with each decision voted upon formally. By the end of 2010
coalition government it had undergone 300 debates, ranging from prisoner voting rights to the
Hillsborough disaster. Furthermore, they have influence as discussed above when they are a member of a committee, these committees provide a perfect opportunity for backbenchers to have their voices heard in the legislative process. It usually proves difficult for backbenchers to be involved and have direct input in the legislative process when they are not involved in these activities.
Singapore Traditionally, as the
PAP has been the largest party in Singapore, there are many MPs who serve as backbenchers for the PAP. Often, these MPs sit near the back of parliament and are candidates in
GRCs, where they contest in a team led by a PAP minister. ==See also==