Simon Opher.

Stroud's MP has been one of a small number of Labour backbenchers to break ranks on disability benefits — the most consequential internal rebellion of this parliament. On 9 July 2025, Simon Opher voted three times against the government's Universal Credit and PIP Bill, opposing cuts to the health top-up element for new claimants and backing amendments to protect people with fluctuating conditions such as Parkinson's and MS from losing higher-rate support. He also voted against expanding Public Order Act powers targeting protest near critical infrastructure, and backed a Green MP's amendment requiring regional mayors to align with climate targets — both against his party's majority. At 98.3% party alignment overall, these deviations are deliberate and issue-specific rather than habitual.

His parliamentary participation sits at 80% — slightly below the Commons average — and he has made 304 contributions across 100 debates since 2024. Health and social care dominate his speech record by a wide margin, which reflects his background as a GP of 30 years. He votes consistently with Labour on tax, workers' rights and fiscal policy, but deviates notably on welfare: his voting pattern on disability and benefit cuts sits roughly 60 percentage points to the left of his parliamentary party. He holds no current committee seat.

Beyond the chamber, Opher has pursued local transport access — particularly step-free access at Stroud station — through ministerial meetings and cross-organisation coordination. He has also launched a men's mental health podcast drawing on NHS contacts, suggesting he uses his medical background as a platform beyond formal parliamentary work. No committee roles are recorded, and recent news coverage carries a neutral sentiment score across health, local government and culture issues.