West stood unsuccessfully as Member of Parliament for Ipswich in 1865, but was elected for the seat in 1868. He lost the seat in 1874, but was re-elected in 1883. He was unseated in 1886 after the election was declared void on account of corrupt practices by the party's agents.[3] He didn't stand in the subsequent by-election where the Liberals lost both seats.
Family
West married Violet Katherine Campbell, daughter of Walter Frederick Campbell, in 1870.[4] West's nickname in early life was "Zephyr,". The winter nuptials were celebrated by an epigram written by George Webbe Dasent.[5]
"Quaerebat Zephyrus brumali tempore florem:
En! Campis Bellis incidit in Violam."
"Zephyr was looking for a flower in the deepest winter. Lo! On the battlefield, he fell upon Violet".