A crossbencher is a legislator who does not take a party whip and instead sits on the "cross benches" — historically the benches running across the end of the chamber in the UK House of Lords, perpendicular to the government and opposition benches. The term originated in the Westminster parliamentary tradition and is now used across several legislatures derived from it.
In the UK House of Lords, crossbenchers form a substantial bloc. Most life peers appointed via the independent House of Lords Appointments Commission take the crossbench label, as do the Lords Spiritual in practice on many votes (though they sit separately). Crossbenchers have a Convenor rather than a whip, and the Convenor coordinates administration but does not direct voting.
In the Australian Parliament, "crossbench" has broader usage: it refers to any member who is neither in government nor in the official opposition, including minor-party MPs (Greens, One Nation, Centre Alliance historically) and independents. After the 2022 federal election, the House of Representatives crossbench expanded notably with the election of several "teal" independents alongside Greens MPs. Senate crossbenchers frequently hold the balance of power, making their votes decisive on government legislation.
Crossbenchers differ from independents in a technical sense: in the Lords, "crossbencher" is a formal group affiliation with administrative structure, whereas independents may sit without any group. In Australia, the terms are used more loosely and often interchangeably for non-aligned members.
The political significance of crossbenchers rises sharply in hung parliaments or where the governing party lacks a majority in the upper chamber. They can extract policy concessions, amendments, or procedural commitments in exchange for support. Critics argue unelected crossbenchers in the Lords lack democratic legitimacy; defenders point to their expertise and freedom from party discipline as a check on executive overreach.
The term does not apply in legislatures organised on strict bloc or coalition lines without a Westminster heritage, such as the US Congress or most continental European parliaments.
Example
After the 2022 Australian federal election, a record crossbench of 16 MPs — including Greens and "teal" independents — sat in the House of Representatives, increasing pressure on the Albanese government to negotiate on climate legislation.
Frequently asked questions
In the UK House of Lords, crossbencher is a formal group with a Convenor, distinct from non-affiliated peers. In Australia, the terms are often used interchangeably for any non-aligned MP or senator.
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