Simon was born and bred in the Strangford constituency he was elected to represent in the Northern Ireland Assembly in March 2007. 

Educated at Comber Primary School and Regent House School, Simon graduated from The Queen's University of Belfast with a BA (Hons) in Modern History and Politics and a BLegSc in Law.

Simon began his career at a leading accountancy firm in Belfast and has used his experience with the business sector at Stormont, where he served as Deputy Chairperson of the Finance & Personnel Committee between 2008 and 2009, and is a member of the Enterprise, Trade & Investment Committee. 

In July 2009, Simon was appointed by DUP Leader Peter Robinson as Chairman of the Assembly's Social Development Committee. It is Simon's job to lead Stormont's scrutiny of the work of the Department of Social Development in respect of housing, social security, the community and voluntary sector and regeneration. 

Simon is also a member of the Assembly and Executive Review Committee which examines issues such as streamlining Stormont and the devolution of policing and justice powers.

Simon is Vice Chair of the Assembly All Party Group on Energy and a member of the Assembly All Party Group on International Development.

Simon has been a Councillor on Ards Borough Council since 2005 representing Newtownards Town. On the Council, Simon is the Chairman of the Council's Rates Sub-Committee, helping Ards to set its lowest percentage rate increase in five years in 2007.

Simon lives in Comber with his wife Nicki and their sons Lewis and Kyle. In his spare time, Simon is interested in reading, walking and enjoys watching sport, especially his hometown football team, Comber Rec.