crossbencher
nounEtymology From crossbench + -er.
1
Government, Politics Australian, New Zealand A member of a legislature who belongs to a political party or coalition that is not in government or official opposition (the largest party or coalition not in government), or is independent; a member of the crossbench.
2
Government, Politics UK, Alternative Alternative form of cross-bencher.
- He has just become Lord Hendy, and will take his place in the House of Lords on December 12. He will be a Crossbencher, which means he will not represent a political party.2022 November 30, Paul Clifton, “Network News: Hendy drops GBR name but reform plans proceed”, in RAIL, number 971, page 12: