backbencher

Meanings

1. A Member of Parliament who does not have cabinet rank, and who therefore sits on one of the backbenches or in one of the back rows of the legislature.
2. A student who does not perform well, especially one who sits at the back of the classroom.
3. A member of a team who does not usually play, but who is held in reserve.
4. Someone who does not play an active role in a process.

Etymology

From backbench + -er.