My Polo not starting first time

Hi guys,

I've got a 2006 Polo 1.2 54hp and recently it's been doing a weird thing when trying to start from cold.

I'll put the key into the ignition and wait until the fuel pump has stopped whirring into life and then put my foot on the clutch and twist the key to start the engine, however, nothing happens it doesn't even crank. I then try to turn the key again and the ignition barrel physically won't let me turn the key. So I then remove the key from the ignition, then put the key back in and then turn the ignition on (this time with no sound from the fuel pump) and then turn it again to start the engine and it fires straight into life and runs smoothly.

Any ideas what's going on?

I initially thought since it's been tipping it down with rain recently that the starter motor was wet or something electronic was slightly damp or something? 

There also seems to be some kind of whirring noise I can hear when the engine is running, which I didn't notice before.

Thanks