Simon Henig served as a councillor for 26 years from 1999-2025, initially on Chester-le-Street District Council and later as Leader of Durham County Council from 2008-21, where he helped guide the council through its transition to unitary local government from eight previous authorities. He played a key role as the council reshaped many of its structures including the creation of area action partnerships to promote local decision making. Simon also served as the first chair of the North East Combined Authority from 2014-16. He is currently Head of Government Relations for Stephenson Mohl Group.