opposition leader
Minority party head
An opposition leader is the head of the largest political party not currently in government, serving as the principal critic and alternative to the ruling party or coalition.
In parliamentary systems like the UK, Canada, and Australia, this is a formal position with official duties, including leading debate against government policies and presenting the opposition's stance on legislation.
The opposition leader typically heads a shadow cabinet and is seen as the alternative prime minister should their party win the next election.
The opposition leader questioned the prime minister's handling of the economy during question time.
- parliamentNational legislative assembly
- protestPublic expression of disapproval
- political prisonerJailed for ideology
- shadow cabinetOpposition's parallel leadership team
- shadow ministerOpposition party's portfolio holder
Nelson Mandela · shadow government · crossing the floor · politician · frontbencher · question time · holding to account · motion of no confidence · no confidence vote · debate · coalition · spokesperson · filibuster · ousted · snap election · coup · democracy · maverick
- Malaysian Politicsfederal government, DAP, Prime Minister, ministers, MPs
- Party Leadershipminority whip, conference chair
- South Indian Politicschief minister, state assembly, Stalin, coalition politics, political dynasties
- officialsofficial, officials, bailiff, bureaucrat, congressman
- political figurespolitician, president, presidents, vice president, vice presidents
- politicospolitician, legislator, lawmaker, senator, congressman
opposition leaderprime minister
Leader of a parliamentary state
head of government · government leader · president · chief executive · chancellor