Abstract
What is the role and function of a backbench MP, and are there differences in approach in different legislative systems? What shapes their scrutiny role and work, and how are these factors affected by constitutional, electoral, personal and political circumstances at both constituency and legislative level? Drawing on examples from a range of parliaments in South Asia and beyond, this chapter explores what conditions enable backbenchers to exercise influence and conversely what constrains them. Looking at examples from the renaissance of backbench rights at Westminster in recent years, it identifies the kind of institutional reforms that can promote a more inclusive and accountable legislature. But it concludes that ultimately new procedural rules and powers cannot make backbenchers more effective if they lack the political will and determination to hold government to account. Backbenchers must be willing to use the procedures and powers at their disposal.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
References
Ahmed, N. (2013). The Bangladesh Parliament. A Data Handbook. Dhaka: IGS.
Backbench Business Committee. (2015). First Special Report: Work of the Committee in the 2010–15 Parliament. London: UK Parliament.
Bagehot, W. (1867). The English Constitution. London: Chapman and Hall.
Bercow, J. (2009). Parliamentary Reform: The Route from Here to There. London: Hansard Society. http://www.johnbercow.co.uk/content/parliamentary-reform-route-here-there.
Carswell, D. (2012). The End of Politics and the Birth of iDemocracy. London: Biteback Publishing.
Cowley, P., & Stuart, M. (2012). The Bumper Book of Coalition Rebellion. http://nottspolitics.org/2012/05/08/the-bumper-book-of-coalition-rebellions/
Crewe, E. (2015). The House of Commons: An Anthropology of MPs at Work. London: Bloomsbury.
Fenno, R. (2003). Home Style: House Members in Their Districts. London: Pearson.
Foster, D. (2015). Going ‘Where Angels Fear to Tread’: How Effective Was the Backbench Business Committee in the 2010–12 Parliamentary Session? Parliamentary Affairs, 68(1), 116–134.
Lynskey, J. (1970). The Role of Backbenchers in the Modification of Government Policy. Western Political Quarterly, 23(2), 333–347.
Mulder van der Vegt, D., & Cohen de Lara, M. (2016). Parliaments. Amsterdam: XML.
Riddell, P. (2000). Parliament Under Blair. London: Politicos.
Rogers, R., & Gay, O. (2009). Suggestions for Possible Changes to the Procedure and Business of the House, SN/PC/05110. London: House of Commons Library (Parliament and Constitution Centre).
Samara Democracy Report. (2012). Who’s the Boss? Canadian Views on Their Democracy (Report #4). http://www.samaracanada.com/research/political-leadership/who’s-the-boss-
Select Committee on Reform of the House of Commons. (2009). Rebuilding the House (First Report of Session 2008–09, HC 1117). London: UK Parliament.
Wright, T. (2012). Doing Politics. London: Biteback Publishing.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2018 The Author(s)
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Fox, R. (2018). ‘Lobby Fodder or Fearless Champions?’ The Role of Backbenchers in Holding Government to Account. In: Ahmed, N. (eds) Inclusive Governance in South Asia. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-60904-1_2
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-60904-1_2
Published:
Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-319-60903-4
Online ISBN: 978-3-319-60904-1
eBook Packages: Political Science and International StudiesPolitical Science and International Studies (R0)