A long-serving local GP for nearly 30 years before being elected, Simon has a deep-rooted understanding of the community. He was honoured with an MBE in recognition of his pioneering and advocating social prescribing, which is now national NHS policy. He was also instrumental in the building of the Vale Community Hospital.
As Stroud’s most senior representative, Simon is focused on delivering positive change, with priorities including improving our local NHS services, tackling the cost of living crisis, and championing environmental protection. He is passionate about Stroud and its many communities.
He is Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Health and Vice-Chair of the Net Zero Group.
Simon was chosen by members to succeed the former Labour incumbent in July 2022. Once considered a safe Conservative seat, Stroud has been marginal since 1997. Simon is now the third Labour MP ever to win the seat and won it in 2024 by 11,388 votes: the largest margin for a Labour in the history of Stroud constituency.