Reform UK MP suspends himself amid ‘business propriety’ investigation

A Reform UK MP has resigned the whip after an investigation was opened into his ‘business propriety’ during the Covid pandemic.

James McMurdock, who represents South Basildon and East Thurrock, has been suspended from the parliamentary party, Reform’s chief whip Lee Anderson confirmed.

It comes after the Sunday Times published a story alleging that two firms connected to Mr McMurdock had taken out Covid-19 loans totalling £70,000 during the pandemic.

Mr Anderson said the allegations related to Mr McMurdock’s business activities before becoming an MP.

In a statement posted on X on Saturday afternoon, Mr McMurdock said that he had been contacted by a journalist.

‘I confirmed to the journalist that all my business dealings had always been conducted fully within the law and in compliance with all regulations and that appropriately qualified professionals had reviewed all activity confirming the same.’

He added: ‘As a precautionary measure, and for the protection of ReformUK, I have asked to have the whip suspended temporarily.’

In a statement published on Saturday afternoon, Mr Anderson said: ‘I have today received a call from James McMurdock who has advised me, as chief whip, that he has removed the party whip from himself pending the outcome of an investigation into allegations that are likely to be published by a national newspaper.

‘The allegations relate to business propriety during the pandemic and before he became an MP.’

Mr McMurdock gained his seat at last July’s election, winning by just 98 votes.

Before entering the Commons, he was in the banking sector, including working at Standard Chartered Bank and Barclays Capital.

He joined Reform in May 2024, saying he ‘didn’t like the choices in front of me as a vote’.

The MP is married and has four children.

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