Scott Benton (politician)
Scott Benton | |
|---|---|
Official portrait, 2019 | |
| Member of Parliament for Blackpool South | |
| In office 12 December 2019 – 25 March 2024 | |
| Preceded by | Gordon Marsden |
| Succeeded by | Chris Webb |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Scott Lloyd Benton 1 July 1987 Newport, Wales |
| Political party | Conservative |
| Spouse |
Harry Symonds (m. 2021) |
| Alma mater | University of Nottingham |
Scott Lloyd Benton (born 1 July 1987) is a former British politician who was Member of Parliament (MP) for Blackpool South from the 2019 general election until his resignation in March 2024. A member of the Conservative Party, he was previously also a councillor on Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council and a primary school teacher.
In April 2023 Benton had the whip removed after he had offered to reporters, posing as investors, that he would lobby ministers in return for payments. A parliamentary investigation concluded that he had breached lobbying rules and recommended a 35-day suspension from the House of Commons, triggering a recall petition. Benton's subsequent resignation as an MP prompted a by-election on 2 May 2024.