Personal Background
Born: Aberdeen
Residence: East Kilbride, where he has lived for over 30 years, He is married and has two daughters.
Profession before politics: Journalist for over 30 years, including roles at The Scottish Sun (Deputy Chief Sub-Editor) and Daily Record
Political Career
Local Government: Councillor for East Kilbride West (2007–2017), with a focus on planning and housing policy
Westminster Elections: Conservative candidate for East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow in 2010 and 2015 general elections
Scottish Parliament:
Elected as a Scottish Conservative MSP for Central Scotland via the regional list in 2016
Held roles including:
- Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Housing, Communities and Social Security
- Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity
Active in several cross-party groups, including those on housing, life sciences, aviation, and sustainable transport
Previous member of committees such as the Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee and the economy committee. He now sits on the Public Audit Committee.
Defection to Reform UK
In August 2025, Simpson defected from the Scottish Conservatives to Reform UK, becoming the party’s sole MSP in the Scottish Parliament
He cited dissatisfaction with the Scottish Conservatives and policies, stating it was a “wrench” to leave the party he joined at age 15
He is leading on policy for Reform in Scotland
Legislative Initiatives
Introduced the Scottish Parliament (Recall and Removal of Members) Bill, aiming to allow voters to recall MSPs under specific conditions (e.g., criminal conviction, prolonged absence, or misconduct)