Big Brother contestant Harry Symonds has found himself at the centre of online debate after viewers discovered he is married to former Conservative MP Scott Benton, who is now linked to the right-wing political party Restore Britain.
Symonds, a 30-year-old fitness coach from Croydon, entered the ITV reality show's latest series on Sunday, introducing himself as a former police officer, a gay Christian and a Crystal Palace supporter. He is the first openly gay housemate to enter this year's series.
However, attention quickly shifted from Symonds' television debut to his relationship with former Blackpool South MP Scott Benton, whom reports say he married in 2021.
Benton served as the Conservative MP for Blackpool South from 2019 until his resignation in March 2024 following a lobbying scandal. A Commons investigation found he had committed what was described as an "extremely serious breach" of parliamentary rules after undercover reporters from The Times recorded him appearing to offer lobbying services and political influence to individuals posing as gambling industry investors. A 35-day suspension was recommended before he resigned his seat.
The former MP returned to frontline politics earlier this year through Restore Britain, the party founded by former Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe. Reports state that Benton worked as a campaign manager during the party's campaign in the Makerfield by-election.
Restore Britain has attracted attention for its hard-line positions on immigration and culture-war issues. Lowe has previously faced criticism from LGBTQ+ campaigners over comments relating to gender identity and his opposition to displaying Pride flags on public buildings.
The revelation has prompted discussion across social media, with some viewers questioning whether Symonds shares his husband's political views. However, there is currently no evidence that Symonds is involved with Restore Britain or that he supports the party's policies. Reports note that his relationship with Benton does not establish any political affiliation of his own.
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