WorldAugust 12, 2026

crossbench

KROSS-bench

Definition

Referring to a member of a legislative body, such as the UK House of Lords, who is not affiliated with a specific political party and is therefore politically independent.

Etymology

The term originated in the British Parliament to describe the physical benches in the House of Lords where members who do not belong to either the government or the opposition sit.

In the news

Baroness Deech is described as a 'crossbench peer,' which highlights her independent position as she critiques the government's proposals without representing a partisan agenda.

Cohabitation rights create 'profound constitutional change' with no mandate, justice secretary warned

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