Treasury minister praised for divulging his agoraphobia

Simon Clarke explained his absence from pre-budget photo op was due to condition that affects thousands in UK

A minister has been praised for leading by example" after he spoke openly about his experience of agoraphobia, a condition that leads to thousands of hospital admissions every year.

Simon Clarke, the chief secretary to the Treasury, said on Wednesday he would not take part in the traditional pre-budget photo with the chancellor as he is agoraphobic. He said the condition prevents me from being comfortable in some open spaces".