In British parliamentary practice, the Official Loyal Opposition Shadow Cabinet (usually known simply as 'The Shadow Cabinet') is a group of members from Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition who scrutinise their corresponding office holders in government, and develop alternative policies.[1] Since 1997, the Conservative Party has been Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition, and its leadership therefore forms the current Shadow Cabinet.[2]
Not every Conservative frontbench spokesperson is a member of the Shadow Cabinet, which is composed of the most senior spokespersons only (usually around 20).[3]
The Leader of the Opposition and the Opposition Chief Whip are the only members of the opposition front bench to draw a salary in addition to their salaries as members of the parliament.
