Reform UK MP James McMurdock has voluntarily suspended himself from the party following allegations concerning his past business activities, according to a statement released by

Reform UK’s chief whip, Lee Anderson.

Anderson said the allegations, which are expected to appear in a national newspaper, relate to McMurdock’s business conduct during the COVID-19 pandemic and prior to his election to Parliament. McMurdock has denied any wrongdoing.

"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 statement read.
"At Reform UK, we take these matters very seriously, and James has agreed to cooperate fully with any investigation. We will not be commenting further at this moment."

According to a report in The Sunday Times, businesses previously owned by McMurdock allegedly received a total of £70,000 in government-backed Covid Bounce Back loans despite being largely inactive. The article claims one company, with no employees and minimal assets, took out a £50,000 loan—implying it reported an annual turnover of £200,000. Another business, dormant until early 2020, reportedly received £20,000, suggesting a turnover of £100,000.

Neither company filed the required financial statements or updates following the receipt of these loans, potentially breaching the Companies Act, the newspaper alleges.

In a separate statement, McMurdock reiterated that he had "always conducted all business dealings fully within the law and in compliance with all regulations." He posted on X (formerly Twitter) that he requested the suspension of the party whip as a "precautionary measure" and "for the protection of Reform UK."

McMurdock, a former banking professional, joined Reform UK in 2024. He narrowly won the South Basildon and East Thurrock seat in the most recent general election, defeating Labour by just 98 votes and taking the constituency from the Conservatives.

This marks the latest incident involving a Reform UK MP having the party whip withdrawn. In March, Rupert Lowe was suspended following allegations of threatening behaviour toward the party’s then-chairman, Zia Yusuf. The matter was referred to the Metropolitan Police, who later confirmed no charges would be brought. Lowe has denied the allegations, claiming they were part of a targeted campaign after he criticized party leader Nigel Farage publicly. Photo by © House of Commons, Wikimedia commons.