Dr Simon Opher
Labour · Stroud
FULL PROFILEDr Simon Opher is the Labour MP for Stroud, first elected in 2024. As a government backbencher seeking advancement, they are likely to vote loyally.
Ideology
Voting Behaviour
Key Interests
Healthcare and medical services · Social security and welfare reform · Transport accessibility · Environmental protection · Child welfare and poverty
Positions
Universal Credit reform — Opposition to government proposals
strong
Assisted dying — Support for legalisation
strong
Healthcare funding — Increased investment in maternity and preventative services
moderate
Transport accessibility — Improved accessibility at transport hubs
moderate
Environmental protection — Support for renewable energy access and waste reduction
moderate
Protest rights — Concern about restrictions on peaceful assembly
moderate
Child protection — Social media regulation to protect young people
moderate
Gaza healthcare — Support for international healthcare assistance
weak
Notable Rebellions
2025-07-01 — Opposed government welfare reforms, voting against Second Reading and supporting reasoned amendment, likely due to concerns about impact on vulnerable constituents
2026-01-14 — Voted against regulations that could restrict protest rights, consistent with liberal stance on civil liberties
Reasoning Style
Evidence-based and professionally informed, drawing on medical expertise to analyse policy implications. Pragmatic approach to complex issues, emphasising practical outcomes over ideological purity. Constituency-focused in questioning, regularly raising local concerns about transport, healthcare, and services.
Background
Dr Simon Opher has a medical background, bringing healthcare expertise to Parliament. His professional medical training is evident in his detailed engagement with healthcare policy and his understanding of clinical procedures like the Mental Capacity Act.