Simon's family come from the West Riding and Simon was born and raised in Yorkshire. His ambition to pursue a career in the military was cut short by injury and so having previously been awarded an Honours degree in Economics, Simon re-trained as a barrister and was called to the bar in 1990.
Simon is married to Louise who is also a barrister. They enjoy the countryside and the coast as do their fox terriers George and Harry.
Member of Parliament for Dewsbury
In 2009 Simon was selected as the Conservative candidate for the seat of Dewsbury and in the early hours of 7th May 2010 Simon was confirmed as Dewsbury's 3rd Conservative Member of Parliament in 142 years with a majority of 1526 after polling 18,898 votes.
As a constituency Dewsbury encompasses both urban and rural areas. In the town of Dewsbury regeneration and social cohesion are absolute priorities. As is standing up to extremism in whatever guise it appears.
In addition Simon opposed Wakefield Council's proposals to develop a travellers site on the Owl Lane refuse site. Thousands of people signed a petition and hundreds came out on a Saturday afternoon to join a protest march to make their feelings known. The Council has now backed down and abandoned its plans.
The wards of Denby Dale and Kirkburton share the concerns of much of rural England so long ignored by previous Governments. Public transport, effective policing, and the decline of vital facilities from Post Offices to pubs are all key issues across rural communities and Simon has promised to raise them in Parliament at every opportunity.