Simon was born and bred in the Strangford constituency he was first 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 as 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 was 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 urban regeneration. During this time, Simon won support at Stormont for a boiler scrappage scheme, carbon monoxide monitors for social housing and increased anti-social behaviour powers for public landlords.

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 presently the Assembly Private Secretary to the Minister of Finance and Personnel and is set to suceed Sammy Wilson in the role in 2013.

Simon is also the current Deputy Chair of the Environment Committee and has secured Assembly support for motions calling for a river cleaning strategy and the extension of online car tax renewal to Northern Ireland.

A regular TV and radio contributor, Simon was the winner of the Slugger O'Toole 'Up and Coming' Politician of the Year award in 2010.

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.