Search a title or topic

Over 20 million podcasts, powered by 

Player FM logo
Artwork

Content provided by Global. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Global or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.
Player FM - Podcast App
Go offline with the Player FM app!

A Love Hidden For 29 Years: Former Conservative MP Sir Nick Gibb and Michael Simmonds on fear, love and coming out in politics

50:23
 
Share
 

Manage episode 490302264 series 3669223
Content provided by Global. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Global or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

Sir Nick Gibb and Michael Simmonds have been together for 38 years, but kept their relationship hidden from the world until 2015 - the year they married.

Nick knew he was gay from university and accepted it, but as a Conservative MP, he felt he had to keep his personal life private to protect his career.

For decades, they lived together but kept up appearances - even owning separate properties and spending holidays apart to avoid suspicion.

In this honest and moving conversation with Rich Clarke, they reflect on the long years of secrecy, the toll it took, and the joy and relief of finally sharing their truth with the world.

This is a story of quiet love, public pressure, and finally, freedom.

📱 Follow us on Instagram and TikTok: @alwaysmepodcast

💬 To share your story, email: [email protected]

SUPPORT SERVICES

LGBTQ+ Support

Switchboard – LGBTQ+ Helpline

• A confidential helpline for LGBTQ+ people to talk about sexuality, gender identity, and more.

• Phone: 0800 0119 100

• Website: switchboard.lgbt

Stonewall

• Offers support and resources for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families.

• Website: stonewall.org.uk

Open Table Network

• Phone: 07501753618

• Website: opentable.lgbt

Mental Health & Suicide Prevention

Samaritans

• For anyone in distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide.

• Phone: 116 123 (Free, 24/7)

• Website: samaritans.org

Mind

• Provides advice and support for anyone experiencing a mental health problem.

• Phone: 0300 123 3393

• Website: mind.org.uk

PAPYRUS – Prevention of Young Suicide

• Support for people under 35 experiencing suicidal thoughts, and for those concerned about someone else.

•Phone: 0800 068 41 41

• Website: papyrus-uk.org

Shout

•A free, confidential mental health text support service.

• Text: SHOUT to 85258 (24/7, free text service)

• Website: giveusashout.org

  continue reading

7 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 
Manage episode 490302264 series 3669223
Content provided by Global. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Global or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

Sir Nick Gibb and Michael Simmonds have been together for 38 years, but kept their relationship hidden from the world until 2015 - the year they married.

Nick knew he was gay from university and accepted it, but as a Conservative MP, he felt he had to keep his personal life private to protect his career.

For decades, they lived together but kept up appearances - even owning separate properties and spending holidays apart to avoid suspicion.

In this honest and moving conversation with Rich Clarke, they reflect on the long years of secrecy, the toll it took, and the joy and relief of finally sharing their truth with the world.

This is a story of quiet love, public pressure, and finally, freedom.

📱 Follow us on Instagram and TikTok: @alwaysmepodcast

💬 To share your story, email: [email protected]

SUPPORT SERVICES

LGBTQ+ Support

Switchboard – LGBTQ+ Helpline

• A confidential helpline for LGBTQ+ people to talk about sexuality, gender identity, and more.

• Phone: 0800 0119 100

• Website: switchboard.lgbt

Stonewall

• Offers support and resources for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families.

• Website: stonewall.org.uk

Open Table Network

• Phone: 07501753618

• Website: opentable.lgbt

Mental Health & Suicide Prevention

Samaritans

• For anyone in distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide.

• Phone: 116 123 (Free, 24/7)

• Website: samaritans.org

Mind

• Provides advice and support for anyone experiencing a mental health problem.

• Phone: 0300 123 3393

• Website: mind.org.uk

PAPYRUS – Prevention of Young Suicide

• Support for people under 35 experiencing suicidal thoughts, and for those concerned about someone else.

•Phone: 0800 068 41 41

• Website: papyrus-uk.org

Shout

•A free, confidential mental health text support service.

• Text: SHOUT to 85258 (24/7, free text service)

• Website: giveusashout.org

  continue reading

7 episodes

All episodes

×
 
Loading …

Welcome to Player FM!

Player FM is scanning the web for high-quality podcasts for you to enjoy right now. It's the best podcast app and works on Android, iPhone, and the web. Signup to sync subscriptions across devices.

 

Copyright 2025 | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | | Copyright
Listen to this show while you explore
Play