In the ever-evolving landscape of British politics, new voices are emerging to tackle the challenges of a rapidly changing world. Among them is Josh Simons MP, a young and intellectually formidable figure within the Labour Party. Representing Makerfield, Simons has swiftly made a name for himself with his depth of knowledge, policy expertise, and progressive vision for the country. His unique background, combining political theory, technological insight, and grassroots organising, places him at the forefront of a new generation of political leaders.
Early Life and Education
Born on 24 July 1993, Josh Simons grew up in a Britain undergoing economic and social transformation. From a young age, he exhibited a keen interest in politics and social justice. His academic journey began at St John’s College, Cambridge, where he studied Social and Political Sciences. Graduating top of his class in 2015, Simons demonstrated both academic excellence and a growing passion for public service.
After Cambridge, he furthered his academic pursuits at Harvard University, where he earned a PhD in Government. His doctoral research, focused on the intersection of democracy and technology, laid the foundation for his first book, “Algorithms for the People: Democracy in the Age of AI.” His time at Harvard not only sharpened his intellectual capabilities but also deepened his commitment to exploring the ethical challenges of modern governance.
Stepping into the Political Arena
Even before officially entering Parliament, Simons had significant political exposure. He worked as a policy adviser within the Labour Party from 2015, a role that gave him early insight into the workings of national politics. However, he made headlines when he publicly distanced himself from Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership over concerns about antisemitism in the party—a stance that revealed his principled character and willingness to challenge his own side when necessary.
His policy expertise extended beyond party politics. Between 2018 and 2022, he served as a visiting research scientist at Meta (formerly Facebook), working in the Responsible AI division. This unique experience allowed him to understand the implications of artificial intelligence and big tech from the inside—insights he would later use to inform his political stances.
Civic Engagement and Leadership
Josh Simons is not merely an academic or a political insider. He co-founded the Civic Power Fund, an organisation dedicated to supporting local community activism. This work bridged the gap between high-level policy and grassroots engagement, reflecting his belief that democracy must be both participatory and responsive.
In addition, he led the think tank Labour Together as Director until shortly before his candidacy. Under his stewardship, the organisation became a key space for strategic policy development and intellectual renewal within Labour, aiming to unite different wings of the party and foster a coherent forward-looking agenda.
Election to Parliament
In 2024, Josh Simons was selected as the Labour candidate for Makerfield, a constituency in Greater Manchester with a strong working-class heritage. The general election saw a sweeping victory for Labour, and Simons won the seat with a majority of 5,399 votes. His campaign focused on jobs, public services, and rebuilding trust between citizens and their representatives.
Makerfield, an area historically shaped by coal mining and heavy industry, faces modern challenges such as economic restructuring, healthcare accessibility, and infrastructure renewal. Simons positioned himself as a representative who would bring both intellectual rigour and practical solutions to these long-standing issues.
Early Work in Parliament
Since taking office, Simons has wasted no time in making an impact. He was appointed a Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS), initially serving within the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and later moving to the Ministry of Justice. These roles, though often seen as stepping stones, are critical for understanding departmental machinery and influencing internal policy debates.
As PPS, he has been actively involved in legislative discussions, focusing particularly on data privacy, algorithmic governance, and criminal justice reform. His contributions are marked by clarity, evidence-based reasoning, and a focus on long-term outcomes rather than short-term political wins.
A Vision for Labour’s Future
Josh Simons is a founding member of the Labour Growth Group, a faction within the party aiming to modernise its economic outlook and embrace technological change. His stance reflects a growing desire within Labour to move beyond traditional left-right dichotomies and develop a proactive agenda that balances growth, fairness, and sustainability.
He has spoken publicly about the need for Britain to take control of its digital future. In his view, this includes regulating big tech, investing in AI research, and ensuring that technology serves democratic rather than corporate interests. His academic work supports the argument that data and algorithms must be governed with transparency and public accountability, not left solely to private monopolies.
Championing Constituents’ Needs
Despite his intellectual leanings, Josh Simons remains deeply rooted in the concerns of his constituents. He has prioritised local issues such as upgrading public transport, improving access to mental health services, and supporting job creation in emerging industries.
His constituency office is known for being accessible, and he regularly holds surgeries to engage directly with the people of Makerfield. This dual ability—to think globally and act locally—is a hallmark of his approach.
In Parliament, he has raised questions related to regional inequality, advocating for increased investment in northern towns and greater devolution of powers to local authorities. Simons views political disillusionment as a product of economic neglect, and he sees rejuvenating these communities as central to rebuilding trust in democratic institutions.
Focus on Technology and Ethics
One of Simons’s defining themes is his focus on the ethical use of technology. In an age where data breaches, surveillance, and disinformation are becoming common concerns, his background provides an invaluable perspective. He believes that future prosperity hinges on the responsible integration of technology into society—whether through digital education, cybersecurity, or the ethical development of artificial intelligence.
His book, written before he entered Parliament, outlines a framework where citizens—not tech corporations—are at the centre of digital governance. These ideas now influence his parliamentary interventions, especially around legislation dealing with data rights and online platforms.
A New Kind of Politician
What sets Josh Simons MP apart from many of his peers is the blend of academic rigour, policy experience, and community focus. He is part of a broader movement within British politics that values evidence, dialogue, and innovation. Yet he also maintains a strong sense of moral clarity, demonstrated by his past stance against antisemitism within Labour and his consistent commitment to inclusion and fairness.
His career is only just beginning, but the signs point to a leader who is not only capable of shaping policy but of influencing the very values by which politics is conducted.
The Road Ahead
Looking forward, Josh Simons is expected to play a growing role in shaping Labour’s policy platform, particularly in areas like digital governance, economic resilience, and constitutional reform. There is speculation that he could soon be appointed to a ministerial role, given his performance and subject expertise.
He also remains involved in broader party conversations about how Labour can win and retain public trust in a rapidly changing Britain. His ability to articulate complex ideas in accessible terms makes him a valuable communicator in an age where misinformation and political scepticism run high.
Conclusion
Josh Simons MP represents a new chapter in British political life—one where intellect meets activism, and policy is rooted in both principle and practice. His journey from Cambridge and Harvard to the Commons benches in Westminster is a testament to his drive, clarity of purpose, and belief in the power of politics to improve lives.
As Labour looks to consolidate its recent electoral gains and prepare for the challenges of governance, figures like Simons will be essential in crafting a vision that is bold, inclusive, and grounded in the realities of the 21st century. Whether in Makerfield or on the national stage, his influence is likely to grow—and with it, the shape of British politics may evolve in profound and necessary ways.
To learn more about his ongoing work, visit https://www.joshsimons.org/.
