What is the name for the group of opposition spokesmen and spokeswomen who comment on the policies of government ministers?
Answers
The Shadow Cabinet is a feature of the Westminster system of government. It consists of a senior group of opposition spokespeople who, under the leadership of the Leader of the Opposition, form an alternative cabinet to that of the government, and whose members shadow or mirror the positions of each individual member of the Cabinet.[1] It is the Shadow Cabinet's responsibility to scrutinise the policies and actions of the government, as well as to offer an alternative program.
In most countries, a member of the shadow cabinet is referred to as a Shadow Minister. In the United Kingdom's House of Lords and in New Zealand, the term "spokesperson" is used instead of "shadow". In Canada, however, the term Opposition Critic is more common.
Ministers are the MPs and members of the House of Lords who are in the Government. They are appointed by the Prime Minister and each given a specific area of government policy to oversee.