Marlon West's decision to stand for Greater Manchester mayor stems from a deeply personal tragedy: the grooming and exploitation of his daughter, Scarlett, from age 14. Now 21, Scarlett waived her anonymity in 2024 to share her story with the Manchester Evening News. The Baird Inquiry, which examined women's experiences in Greater Manchester Police custody, found Scarlett was raped in 2019 by a man referred to as Adult 4 and groomed by another, Adult 5, who drove her to hotels for drugs and sex. She was also made to strip at Bury police station without an appropriate adult present. The inquiry concluded she 'didn't feel believed' by police and that the force failed to protect her from late-night visits by men. These events galvanized West's entry into politics.
A Father's Fight
West, a former clinical lead in nursing, describes the ordeal as 'horrific' and says he received no support from local authorities or police. 'They didn't care,' he says. He recalls nights spent driving around Stockport searching for Scarlett, knocking on doors until dawn, then working the next day. Social workers told Scarlett her father couldn't stop her leaving home. The grooming lasted 18 months to two years, causing West severe anxiety and weight loss. 'I don't know how I got through it,' he admits.
Campaign Priorities
West's mayoral campaign, launched under Restore Britain—a party founded by former Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe—focuses on child sexual exploitation. He proposes a dedicated Greater Manchester Police taskforce to investigate historic cases and present findings to Parliament. 'More money invested, more police on the street,' he says. He also pledges regular summits for women in every borough to rebuild trust, which he says is lacking in the mayor's office and police. Andy Burnham, the outgoing mayor, has said he lacked powers to order a stronger inquiry, but West believes Restore Britain's own rape gang inquiry, though non-statutory, demonstrates progress.
Broader Issues
West also campaigns on transport, housing, and policing. He argues that Manchester city centre receives disproportionate attention, while towns like Stockport suffer from traffic congestion and poor inter-borough links, such as Tameside to Stockport. He questions the Bee Network's effectiveness. On housing, he prioritizes bringing empty properties back into use and offering support packages for homeless people, including mental health and debt management. 'It's not just about sticking them in a room,' he says. He avoids false promises on the cost of living, noting mayoral powers are limited, but vows to pressure the government.
Nursing and Police Reform
West's 30-year nursing career influences his policies. He criticizes the scrapping of student nurse bursaries, even after their reversal, and suggests Greater Manchester could make nursing careers more attractive. On policing, he promises a thorough assessment of Greater Manchester Police on his first day, including the future of Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson. 'I wouldn't rule out sacking him,' West says, citing concerns about grooming, anti-social behavior at Piccadilly Gardens, and officer attitudes toward the public.
Political Journey
West previously voted Labour and then Conservative. In 2024, he managed Restore Britain's Rebecca Shepherd campaign in the Makerfield by-election, where she finished third with over 3,000 votes. Restore Britain, founded by Rupert Lowe, advocates scrapping diversity initiatives and argues mass migration has been a disaster. However, West's conversation focused on his daughter's case, his nursing background, and public service failures. The July 30 mayoral election is expected to be tight, with Labour and Reform UK leading. For Restore Britain, West's campaign tests whether national attention can translate into local votes.
