Backbenchers Flashcards
Representation
MPs should represent their constituents. However, this isn’t legally binding so they can vote how they want in reality. Often they will vote along party lines if there’s been a whip sent out. Sometimes they vote on morality.
They hold surgeries in their constituencies which is an opportunity for constituents to meet their MP face to face and discuss any concerns that the MP can help them with.
Following their conscience
Rebellions are more likely on these cases. Governing party will often allow a free vote on ethical matters.
EG, labour allowed a free vote on the Syrian War in 2015 whilst Conservatives had a whip (17 rebelled)
Free vote examples: same sex marriage, human fertilisation and amendments to Abortion legislation.
Zac Goldsmith recently resigned from his party because he didn’t agree with Heathrow expansion and wanted to follow his conscience so became an independent
Private members’ bills
What are they
Examples of successful ones
They are legislative proposals initiated by backbench MPs rather than by govt.
Early in each parl session 20 names are drawn into a ballot.
Only on rare occasions do these become pieces of legislation, examples of when they have include the Murder Act 1965 and Abortion Act 1967.
Who said MPs are representative of the people?
Philosopher, Edmund Burke
Party whips and rebellions
Whips offer chance of promotion but also threaten with disbandment from the party if they rebel.
Secret ballots for chairs of select committees can allow MPs to rebel in privacy.
Peter Bone and Jacob Rees-Mogg have built reputations for themselves by rebelling all the time. EG J R-M rebelled on EU ref
