Awkward Bench
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
The front row of seats below the gangway on the Labour side of the House of Commons, where rebel MPs often sit.
Register: slang
Examples
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, […]
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “Awkward Bench” mean?
The front row of seats below the gangway on the Labour side of the House of Commons, where rebel MPs often sit.
Is “Awkward Bench” formal or informal?
Awkward Bench is generally slang.