The
Shadow Cabinet is a feature of the
Westminster system of government. It comprises a senior group of opposition spokespeople who, under the leadership of the
Leader of the Opposition, form an alternative
cabinet to that of the government, and whose members
shadow or mark each individual member of the Cabinet. Members of a shadow cabinet are often but not always appointed to a Cabinet post if and when their party gets into government. It is the Shadow Cabinet's responsibility to criticise the policies and actions of the government, as well as offering an alternative program.