Former Middlesbrough MP becomes UK Onward Director

Sir Simon Clarke lost his job as MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland when he was defeated by Labour’s Luke Myer by just 214 votes.

Mr Myer won with 16,468 ballots to Sir Simon’s 16,254, leaving the once-Cabinet minister incumbent conceding defeat after a recount.

The former MP announced on Monday (January 13) his new role as Director of UK Onward, replacing former Financial Times journalist Seb Payne, who is now a columnist and leader writer at The Times.

Posting news of his new job to X, formerly Twitter, Sir Simon said: “Really excited to announce that I start today as the new Director of UK Onward, succeeding the brilliant Seb Payne.

“This is a critical time for the future of Conservatism and I can’t wait to start work with a great team.

Really excited to announce that I start today as the new Director of @ukonward, succeeding the brilliant @SebastianEPayne. This is a critical time for the future of Conservatism and I can’t wait to start work with a great team. (1/4)

— Simon Clarke (@Simon_ClarkeUK) January 13, 2025

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“We have a big task ahead of us, but we will work tirelessly to provide the right policies to help the Conservatives win and serve with purpose again.  I am very grateful to the Trustees for this opportunity, and to Seb for such a strong inheritance.”

He served as Chief Secretary to the Treasury for a year under Boris Johnson, who knighted him in his resignation honours, and Secretary of State for Levelling Up during Liz Truss’ short spell as PM.