Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

confidence-and-supply

Noun

/ˈkɒnfɪdəns ənd səˈplaɪ/

Definition

A political term referring to an arrangement where a smaller party supports a larger party in exchange for certain concessions or support on specific policies, without forming a formal coalition.

Examples

The government relied on confidence-and-supply from the minor party to pass the budget.
In the last election, the larger party was able to maintain power due to a confidence-and-supply agreement with their rival.
Confidence-and-supply deals are common in parliamentary systems where no single party has an outright majority.

Meaning

The term highlights the relationship between political parties where the supporting party agrees to back the government on crucial votes, thus ensuring its stability.