Simon Clarke (above, right) was born in North Tees Hospital and grew up in Marton, Middlesbrough. 

He has deep roots on Teesside: his grandfather Patrick was a neurosurgeon at Middlesbrough General Hospital and his father Richard worked at Jacksons Solicitors for many years. 

He is a lifelong supporter of the Boro.

After leaving school, Simon won a scholarship to Oxford University and then qualified as a solicitor. 

He then worked as a policy specialist on health and education.

Simon was elected as Member of Parliament for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland in June 2017 and re-elected in December 2019.

He was appointed as Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury in Summer 2019, before moving to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government as Minister of State for Regional Growth and Local Government, a post he held from February to September 2020.