backbenchers are WEAK

• Have no new powers to compel government action only drawing attention
• PBCs have built in government majorities 

  • Only 1% of non government party amendments accepted
  • Sarah Champion’s amendment rejected 
• MPs lack experience/knowledge/research/time to investigate government 

  • Miriam Cates MP has to juggle Parliamentary work and constituency work
• PM’s power of patronage, partisanship and party whip remains significant 
• BBs expected to be loyal to party line 

  • Elected based on party manifesto 
• Government normally has majority support

  • 2019 - 80 seat majority 
  • FPTP - plurality system