By Nick Gutteridge
A Reform MP has left the party amid allegations surrounding his “business propriety during the pandemic”.
James McMurdock, the MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, will sit as an independent in the Commons while the claims are investigated.
Lee Anderson, Reform’s chief whip, 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.
“At Reform UK we take these matters very seriously and James has agreed to cooperate in full with any investigation.
“We will not be commenting further at this moment.”
Mr McMurdock unexpectedly clinched his Essex seat at last year’s election, securing a majority of just 98 over Labour.
Shortly after his win reports emerged about a historic conviction for assaulting a former girlfriend, and he has largely kept a low profile since.
He is the second MP that Reform has lost since the election a year ago, when it won five seats at Westminster in a breakthrough result.
The party expelled Rupert Lowe in March over allegations of workplace bullying and threats against its chairman, which he has strongly denied.
It has also gained one new backbencher, Sarah Pochin, who won the Runcorn by-election in May, meaning the party currently has four MPs.
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