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The Opposition and the Shadow Cabinet

Why the second-largest party gets the title "Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition" and a shadow team.

The second-largest party in the House of Commons forms the official opposition, formally called His Majesty's Loyal Opposition. Its leader — the Leader of the Opposition — receives a salary from public funds and an additional allowance to help run a "shadow cabinet". Each shadow secretary of state has the job of holding their government counterpart to account.

Further reading: an editorial guide on this topic opens in a new window for additional context.

The official opposition leads questioning of the government at Prime Minister's Questions, organises debates in the Commons, and tables motions of no confidence when appropriate. Other smaller parties (such as the SNP, Liberal Democrats, DUP and Greens) also question and debate but with fewer rights and resources.

You may be asked what the official opposition is called, who leads it, or why a "shadow cabinet" exists (to scrutinise each Cabinet minister).

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