"A Comprehensive Analysis of Simon Cooke’s Political Ideology" (courtesy of AI)
I asked followers on X to demystify my political position. One @AyeUpBradford, who understands these things crafted an AI prompt and produced what follows
I asked followers on X to demystify my political position. One @AyeUpBradford, who understands these things crafted an AI prompt and produced what follows. Lots of it is on the money, there are some inaccuracies and the reason for my twitter handle is much more prosaic I’m afraid. Nevertheless it makes an interesting read - hope you enjoy.
The View from Cullingworth: A Comprehensive Analysis of Simon Cooke’s Political Ideology
Executive Summary
Simon Cooke, a former Conservative party member and leader of the Conservative group on Bradford Council, presents a political ideology that is a complex blend of loyalty to and criticism of the official Conservative Party. His political voice, primarily articulated through his blog "The View from Cullingworth" and his provocative social media handle, @SimonMagus, is best understood as a form of pragmatic, place-based conservatism. This ideology is deeply rooted in traditional "little-c" conservative principles, such as subsidiarity, local empowerment, and the importance of homeownership for social stability.
While he maintains a strategic alignment with the "big-C" Conservative Party—most notably through his support for Kemi Badenoch to prevent the rise of more radical alternatives—he does not shy away from critiquing the party's institutional failures and perceived disconnect from its voters. His political identity is defined by a clear and unwavering opposition to what he describes as the "destructive radicalism" of Reform UK on the right and the "anti-growth progressivism" of the fragmented left, positioning him as a voice of traditional order against what he views as forces of chaos and decay.
The Political and Personal Context
A Profile in Public Service
Simon Cooke's political career is grounded in a long and extensive history in local government. His engagement in public service spanned at least 24 years, during which he held prominent roles, including Deputy Leader and Leader of the Conservative Group on Bradford Council.
His tenure as leader of the Conservative Council in Bradford from 2015 to 2018 is a key part of his professional identity, lending a practical, on-the-ground perspective to his later political commentary. This deep experience in local politics informs his consistent advocacy for greater decentralization and the empowerment of elected officials over unelected bureaucrats, a theme he has explored in detail in his writing for publications like Conservative Home.
Cooke's political ambitions extended beyond local government. He stood as the Conservative candidate for the Keighley and Ilkley constituency in the 2001 general election. His campaign, while unsuccessful against the Labour incumbent, Ann Cryer, provided him with a direct understanding of the national political landscape and the dynamics of a marginal, bellwether seat. His background thus positions him uniquely as a figure who has operated within the core machinery of the party, both locally and nationally, while retaining a sense of his own political principles.
Cooke's public career has not been without controversy. In 2004, he resigned as Deputy Leader of Bradford Council following an incident where he made a "Nazi-style salute" and said "Sieg Heil" to a German-born Labour councillor during a meeting.
While he apologized publicly for the "inappropriate comment," the event garnered significant media attention and led to his resignation from the deputy leadership role. Years later, in 2013, he issued another apology for making what were described as "derogatory" remarks about prostitutes during a council meeting. These episodes illustrate a past pattern of confrontational behavior that contributes to his reputation as a sometimes-provocative figure who is unafraid to challenge convention, a trait that continues to define his political commentary.
The Simon Cooke Persona: A Public-Facing Ideology
Cooke's current political identity is inextricably linked to his online presence. His blog, "The View from Cullingworth," serves as his primary platform for long-form commentary, where he discusses topics ranging from politics and housing to culture and society.
The very title of the blog suggests a perspective that is localized and grounded in a specific sense of place, a key element of his conservatism. His writing often uses specific, everyday observations, such as the decline of formal attire or the lack of functioning infrastructure, as starting points for broader social and political critique.
His choice of the Twitter/X handle, @SimonMagus, is particularly telling and warrants closer examination. The research material identifies Simon Magus as a historical figure from the early days of Christianity, a Samaritan magician and the "father of Gnostic sects". Gnosticism is a philosophical and religious movement that holds that the material world is illusory and that salvation can be attained through a form of special, hidden knowledge.
Cooke himself has lamented that in today's digital world, "almost everything you see is fake and manipulative". By adopting the name of a historical figure associated with the revelation of a deeper truth in a world of illusion, Cooke appears to be deliberately positioning himself as a modern-day purveyor of authentic, unvarnished insight in a political landscape he views as superficial and performative. His self-description as a "scourge of nannying fussbuckets" reinforces this persona, suggesting a clear mission to challenge what he perceives as politically correct and ideologically shallow narratives. This self-constructed identity allows him to be both a former political insider and a critical outsider, a dual role that gives his commentary a unique weight and credibility.
Navigating the 'Conservative' and 'conservative' Divide
A 'Big-C' Conservative in Practice
Cooke's relationship with the official Conservative Party is not one of unqualified loyalty but rather one of critical and strategic alignment.
A clear example of this is his support for Kemi Badenoch, which he articulates in a post titled "Now is not the time to change the manager: the case for keeping Kemi". This endorsement is framed not as an enthusiastic belief in the current leadership, but as a pragmatic, defensive maneuver
He explicitly states that "another bout of Tories ripping into each other would bring that awful choice nearer," referring to a political landscape dominated by Reform UK's "destructive radicalism" and the "fragmented left's anti-growth progressivism". This shows that his support for Badenoch is a calculated choice to avert what he considers a greater ideological threat, demonstrating a form of pragmatic loyalty to the institution and a rejection of the internal power struggles that have plagued the party.
His critique of the party's institutional failings is a recurring theme. He argues that "elite conservatives" have "lost touch with their voters" and, by treating their own base as "irredeemably naff," deserve to lose. This public criticism of the party's establishment demonstrates a commitment to a voter-centric, rather than an institutional, conservatism. It suggests that for Cooke, the "big-C" party is merely a vehicle for achieving a more profound "little-c" conservative vision, and when that vehicle fails to serve its purpose, it is deserving of scorn and correction.
An Examination of 'Little-c' Conservatism
Cooke's core political philosophy is deeply rooted in traditional, pragmatic conservative principles. One of his most consistent themes is the need to restore power to local government. He contends that this is the only way for Britain to build the public infrastructure it needs, arguing that the "untidy mish-mash of local provision" was historically responsible for building essential utilities, roads, and housing. This stance is a direct rebuke of the centralized, top-down bureaucracy that he views as a primary cause of Britain's current state of disrepair. He attributes the nation's problems to a "complacent and entitled public sector leadership" and a general sense that "nothing much works any more".
His views on housing and land policy are central to his ideological project. He identifies as a "YIMBY" (Yes In My Backyard), a term that positions him as an advocate for building more homes and reforming restrictive planning regulations. He proposes specific reforms, including allowing people to build on their own land, creating automatic brownfield permissions in villages, and strategically releasing land from the Green Belt.
For Cooke, this is not merely an economic or technical position; it is a moral argument for social stability. He articulates that having "a real bricks-and-mortar stake in the nation makes for better citizens, stronger businesses and a safer, more prosperous society," tying his policy advocacy to the historical role of the Conservative Party as the "party of suburbia". This position is nuanced by his critique of what he calls "Yimbyland culture," which he dismisses as an "excuse for the fact folk can't buy a house" by focusing on superficial concepts like "walkability" and "liveability" rather than tangible solutions.
This distinction illustrates that Cooke’s support for housing development is not a blanket endorsement of modern urbanist trends but rather a values-driven position aimed at restoring the foundations of homeownership, family, and community. He is willing to criticize "NIMBY hypocrisy" within his own party for prioritizing short-term electoral gain over this core conservative principle.
Cooke’s 'little-c' conservatism also extends to social and cultural commentary. His blog post on "the hegemony of American Casual" can be read as a lament for the decline of sartorial standards and civic formality. This is not a superficial observation but a reflection of a deeper concern for the erosion of social cohesion and the breakdown of civic order. His worldview is one that values well-ordered institutions and a society that makes an effort to maintain a sense of purpose and structure.
Policy Area
Simon Cooke's Stance ('Little-c')Conservative Party Stance ('Big-C')Alignment
Housing & Planning
Pro-YIMBY, advocate for Green Belt and planning reform to restore home ownership as a societal foundation. Often characterized by NIMBY tendencies in practice, with mixed messaging on Green Belt and planning reform.Low to Medium
Local Government
Believes in restoring power to local government to build infrastructure and tame unaccountable bureaucracy. Historical trend towards centralization, with powers and funding increasingly controlled by central government.Low
Party Leadership
Pragmatic and strategic support for the current leader (Kemi Badenoch) to avert greater ideological threats from the right and left. Prone to internal power struggles and leadership challenges ("regicide") that he views as counterproductive.
Medium Cultural Issues
Critiques social decay through commentary on topics like dress, the decline of public services, and civic disorder. Cautious and often inconsistent in its engagement with "culture war" issues.
Low to Medium
The Adversarial Landscape: Simon Cooke's Opposition
Cooke’s political identity is defined as much by what he opposes as by what he supports. He positions himself against two primary forces he sees as threats to the traditional conservative project: Reform UK and the "fragmented left."
The Threat from the Right: Reform UK
He explicitly labels the ideology of Reform UK as "destructive radicalism". This opposition is not merely electoral; it is fundamentally ideological. Cooke views Reform not as a purer form of conservatism, but as a dangerous populist force that would dismantle the "conservative idea as carved in Britain by Disraeli, Baldwin and Thatcher". His position is that a viable, institutional conservatism requires a long-term vision, not a short-term, populist revolt. He sees Reform as an existential threat to the integrity of the party and the historical principles it represents.
The 'Fragmented Left'
Cooke's critique of the left is equally pointed. He characterizes their ideology as "anti-growth progressivism". This label directly relates to his core beliefs in economic and physical development as prerequisites for a healthy society. He sees left-wing policies as being fundamentally opposed to the kind of growth, in housing, infrastructure, and the private sector, that he believes is essential for a prosperous and functioning Britain. His opposition to the left is thus not based on abstract theory but on a fundamental difference in how society should be organized and maintained.
Opponent: Cooke's Label/Critique
Ideological Basis of Critique
Reform UK"
Destructive radicalism"Threatens the enduring "conservative idea" as a stable, long-term political project.
The 'Fragmented Left': “Anti-growth progressivism"
Opposes the economic and physical development (e.g., housing) necessary for a prosperous and well-ordered society.
'Elite Conservatives'
“Lost touch with their voters" "irredeemably naff"
Exhibits a cultural disconnect and political hypocrisy that betrays the fundamental principles and voter base of the party.
Synthesis and Conclusions
Simon Cooke's politics represent a unifying, pragmatic, and anti-utopian worldview. His commentary, from his advocacy for planning reform to his critique of casual dress, is not a disparate collection of opinions but a consistent articulation of a singular concern: the functional and civic decay of Britain.
His key critiques, directed at the destructive populism of Reform UK, the stagnation of the "anti-growth" left, and the disconnect of the Conservative elite, are all aimed at forces that he believes are preventing the repair and restoration of a well-ordered society.
He is not a revolutionary but a "fixer," deeply concerned with tangible, real-world problems. His proposals, such as restoring power to local government and allowing individuals to build on their own land, are practical solutions to what he perceives as the erosion of personal responsibility and the vitality of local communities.
This perspective, born from his long career in local politics, defines his brand of conservatism as one that is grounded, historical, and deeply committed to the idea of a stable, prosperous, and self-reliant nation.
In this sense, Simon Cooke serves as a bellwether for the broader ideological battle within the modern UK conservative movement. His journey from local politician to critical commentator reflects the challenges the party faces in reconciling its traditional values with the demands of a changing electorate and the rise of populist alternatives. His voice offers a compelling, albeit sometimes controversial, argument for a return to a core conservative vision focused on place, property, and civic order. His political commentary remains relevant as a case study of how a traditional, institutional conservative grapples with a political landscape that is increasingly polarized and disconnected from the principles he holds dear.
Works cited:
1. Bradford needs free schools | Conservative Home, http://conservativehome.blogs.com/localgovernment/2011/05/bradford-needs-free-schools.html
2. Sparks fly in Bradford as Tory councillors fight toaster ban - The Guardian, https://theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/dec/14/bradford-tory-councillors-fight-toaster-ban
3. Tory veteran slams his party's NIMBY house building hypocrisy - The Negotiator, https://thenegotiator.co.uk/news/regulation-law-news/tory-veteran-slams-his-partys-nimby-hypocrisy-housing/
4. Simon Cooke: We need more politicians. It is the only way to tame the unaccountable bureaucrats. | Conservative Home, https://conservativehome.com/2020/01/03/simon-cooke-we-need-more-politicians-it-is-the-only-way-to-tame-the-unaccountable-bureaucrats/
5. Keighley and Ilkley (UK Parliament constituency) - Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keighley_and_Ilkley_(UK_Parliament_constituency)
6. Councillor quits over Nazi salute | Local government - The Guardian, https://theguardian.com/society/2004/apr/23/localgovernment.politics
7. Race storm rocks Tories in Bradford | Politics | The Guardian, https://theguardian.com/politics/2004/sep/19/uk.race
8. Bradford Councillor "so sorry" | Calendar - ITV News, https://itv.com/news/calendar/update/2013-07-10/bradford-councillor-so-sorry/
9. The View from Cullingworth | Simon Cooke | Substack, https://viewfromcullingworth.com
10. Simon Cooke | Substack, https://substack.com/@simoncooke
11. Early Medieval Estate Discovered in Israel - http://Medievalists.net, https://medievalists.net/2025/09/early-medieval-estate-discovered-in-israel/
12. Archaeologists uncover 1600-year-old Samaritan estate with mosaics in Kafr Qasim, https://archaeologymag.com/2025/09/1600-year-old-samaritan-estate-in-kafr-qasim/
13. Ancient Samaritan site reveals 'multi-faceted' history of the Holy Land - The Tablet, https://thetablet.co.uk/news/ancient-samaritan-site-reveals-multi-faceted-history-of-the-holy-land/
14. Now is not the time to change the manager: the case for keeping Kemi, https://viewfromcullingworth.com/p/now-is-not-the-time-to-change-the
15. Comments - Now is not the time to change the manager: the case for keeping Kemi - The View from Cullingworth, https://viewfromcullingworth.com/p/now-is-not-the-time-to-change-the/comments?utm_source=post&utm_medium=web&triedRedirect=true
16. Green Belt Archives - Conservative Home, https://conservativehome.com/tag/green-belt/
The two tables didn't carry over correctly but I am sure you can work them out.
This was the prompt I used, had I done further research, I might have had a more detailed answer.
Simon Cooke is a former Conservative party member, former leader of a Conservative Council in Bradford during 2015-2018 and writes a blog called 'the view from Cullingworth'. He writes on Twitter / X as @SimonMagus
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Review his blog and Twitter accounts, plus anything else written by him and then give me a detailed breakdown of him politics and how they tie in with Conservative (big C) and conservative (little c) values and his opposition to other political parties views.