A Reform UK MP has removed the party whip from himself, leaving the party with just four MPs in the Commons.
James McMurdock, the MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, today telephoned party chief whip Lee Anderson with the news he was leaving.
Mr Anderson said in a statement: “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 won his formerly Tory-held seat by 98 votes in the July general election, with Labour into second place.
His departure from Reform ranks comes as the party strives to professionalise its operations. In March, Rupert Lowe has the whip removed; the Great Yarmouth MP now sits as an Independent.
There was further drama last month when Zia Yusuf quit as party chairman, only to return in a new role with a focus on uncovering local government inefficiency.
More to follow.
