Simon Fell: From Local Roots to National Leadership in British Politics
Simon Fell is a British Conservative politician best known for serving as the Member of Parliament for Barrow and Furness between 2019 and 2024. Over the course of his career, he built a reputation as a serious advocate for fraud prevention, rural connectivity, defence interests and community regeneration. With deep roots in Furness and a professional background in financial crime prevention, Simon Fell combined local commitment with national policy influence.
Early Life and Family Background of Simon Fell
Simon Richard James Fell was born on 9 February 1981 in Lancashire, England. Raised in the North West, he developed a strong connection to Furness, where his family history stretches back centuries. His relatives have lived in and around the Furness area since the 1600s, giving him longstanding ties to the community he would later represent in Parliament.
Industry has also played an important role in his family story. His mother, father and grandfather all worked at BAE Systems, the major defence employer in Barrow. This connection helped shape his understanding of local economic priorities, particularly the importance of defence, shipbuilding and skilled employment in the region.
Today, he lives in Ulverston and continues to maintain close links with the communities across Barrow, Dalton and Broughton.
Education and Academic Background
Simon Fell studied at the University of Warwick, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with Honours in English Literature between 2000 and 2003. His academic training in language, critical analysis and communication would later prove valuable in public policy, parliamentary debate and strategic leadership.
Beyond university, he became a member of the British Council’s TN2020 network of future leaders in 2009, reflecting his early interest in public service and civic engagement.
Professional Career Before Politics
Work in Fraud Prevention and Public Affairs
Before entering Parliament, Simon Fell developed a substantial career in fraud prevention and regulatory strategy. He worked for Cifas, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to preventing financial crime and protecting individuals and businesses from fraud.
At Cifas, he served in senior leadership roles including Assistant Director of Strategy and Policy and later Director of External Relations. In these positions, he led engagement with government departments, regulators, charities and law enforcement agencies. His work focused on strengthening the national response to financial crime and safeguarding vulnerable individuals from exploitation.
This experience established him as a specialist in fraud, risk management and public policy coordination.
Telecommunications and Consultancy Experience
Earlier in his career, he worked in regulatory affairs within the telecommunications sector and also ran his own small communications consultancy. These roles strengthened his understanding of business regulation, stakeholder management and government relations.
By the time he stood for Parliament, he had built a profile combining policy expertise, operational leadership and local knowledge.
Simon Fell as Member of Parliament for Barrow and Furness
Election and Political Breakthrough
Simon Fell was elected as the Conservative MP for Barrow and Furness in December 2019. The seat had historically been considered safe for Labour, making the victory politically significant. His election formed part of a broader political shift across parts of Northern England.
He previously stood as the prospective parliamentary candidate in 2015 and 2017, demonstrating persistence and long-term commitment to the constituency.
Parliamentary Roles and Responsibilities
During his time in Parliament, Simon Fell served on the Home Affairs Select Committee, where he scrutinised matters relating to policing, security and crime. Given his professional background, he brought particular insight into fraud and financial crime policy discussions.
He also chaired the All-Party Parliamentary Group on AUKUS and the Cyber Security APPG. These roles placed him at the centre of discussions on defence cooperation, national security and technological resilience.
Government Appointments and National Leadership
Prime Minister’s Anti-Fraud Champion
In December 2023, Simon Fell was appointed as the Prime Minister’s Anti-Fraud Champion. In this capacity, he supported the delivery of the government’s Fraud Strategy and worked to coordinate efforts across departments to tackle fraud affecting individuals and businesses.
Fraud is one of the most common crimes in the United Kingdom, and his appointment reflected recognition of his long-standing expertise in the field. He focused on improving cross-sector collaboration, public awareness and strategic enforcement measures.
Rural Connectivity Champion
In June 2023, he was appointed as the United Kingdom Government’s first Rural Connectivity Champion. The role involved promoting digital growth, broadband expansion and mobile connectivity improvements in rural communities.
For areas like Furness, which combine industrial strength with rural geography, connectivity is critical to economic growth and social inclusion. His work aimed to reduce digital inequality and support innovation outside major urban centres.
Local Achievements and Investment in Furness
One of Simon Fell’s key priorities was local regeneration and economic transformation. He led the creation of “Team Barrow”, a collaborative initiative bringing together central government, local authorities and private enterprise to drive investment into the area.
In 2024, more than £220 million of investment was secured for Furness, particularly linked to defence infrastructure and the AUKUS partnership. This investment aimed to strengthen the region’s economic resilience and support high-skilled employment.
He also successfully passed the Offenders (Day of Release from Detention) Act 2023, which ended Friday releases for certain vulnerable prisoners. The change was designed to reduce reoffending by ensuring better access to housing and support services upon release.
The 2024 General Election and Transition
Simon Fell served as MP until the 2024 General Election, when he lost his seat. Following his departure from Parliament, he transitioned back into professional and advisory work while maintaining involvement in public policy discussions.
His post-parliamentary career demonstrates continuity with his previous expertise rather than a departure from it.
Career After Parliament
Director of Fraud and Financial Crime
After leaving office, Simon Fell became Director of Fraud and Financial Crime at Fullbrook Strategies. In this role, he advises businesses and organisations on risk management, fraud prevention and strategic communication.
Founder of the AUKUS Caucus
He also founded the AUKUS Caucus, an initiative bringing together legislators, academics, businesses and policymakers across partner nations. The aim is to strengthen understanding and resilience around the AUKUS security partnership.
Trustee and Public Service
In addition, he serves as a trustee of Switchback, a charity supporting young people leaving prison. This role aligns with his interest in criminal justice reform and reducing reoffending.
Personal Life and Interests
Simon Fell is married to Pippa Fell, and the couple have two children, a daughter named Peg and a son named Fitz. He often speaks about family life and community involvement, reflecting a grounded public image.
He enjoys running along the Ulverston canal and visiting local heritage sites such as Furness Abbey. Known for his distinctive bald head and beard, he has described himself humorously as a “bespectacled, bearded eggman”. He also keeps a pet tortoise named Herman.
These personal details contribute to a relatable public persona that combines seriousness in policy with warmth in character.
Political Philosophy and Core Priorities
Throughout his career, Simon Fell emphasised several consistent themes:
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Strong action against fraud and financial crime
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Support for defence and national security
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Investment in rural and regional growth
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Digital connectivity as an economic driver
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Collaboration between public and private sectors
His professional and political experiences reinforced each other, particularly in areas relating to security, regulation and governance.
Conclusion
Simon Fell’s journey from Lancashire roots to the House of Commons reflects a blend of local loyalty and national ambition. His career combined technical expertise in fraud prevention with political leadership on security and connectivity.
As MP for Barrow and Furness from 2019 to 2024, he played a significant role in securing investment for his constituency and shaping national anti-fraud policy. Since leaving Parliament, he has continued to influence discussions on financial crime and international security cooperation.
Whether viewed as a regional advocate, fraud specialist or government appointee, Simon Fell represents a modern example of a politician whose professional background directly informed his public service.
