Dictionary

Awkward Bench en · PROPN

Meanings

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

Forms

Relateds

below the gangway