Scott Benton

Scott Benton became the Conservative MP for Blackpool South at the 2019 general election, taking the seat from Labour’s Gordon Marsden, who had represented the area since 1997. He now holds the seat with a majority of 3,690. Benton studied Theology at the University of Nottingham and in his early career was a primary school teacher, working particularly with underprivileged children. He later became involved in politics, working for Calder Valley MP Craig Whittaker, and represented Brighouse ward on Calderdale Council from 2011 until his election to parliament. During his time in local politics, Benton served as deputy leader of Calderdale Council. In 2017 he stood unsuccessfully in two elections, first for Strangford in the Northern Ireland Assembly elections, where he came last, and then for Huddersfield at the general election, finishing second. During his 2019 campaign, he focused on re-opening Blackpool Airport to commercial flights. Since entering parliament, the 33-year-old has focused on enshrining boosts to NHS funding within law. Benton is currently subject to an ongoing investigation by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards regarding the declaration of his finances. He denies any wrongdoing.