Reform UK MP McMurdock Suspends Whip Over Covid Loan Investigation

James McMurdock, the Reform UK MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, has voluntarily relinquished the party whip amid allegations regarding loans his businesses obtained during the Covid-19 pandemic. The loans, totaling £70,000 through two companies, are under scrutiny for whether the firms met eligibility criteria, with one company reportedly dormant before the pandemic and both lacking the required turnover for the loan amounts. McMurdock denies any wrongdoing, affirming all his business dealings were compliant with regulations and reviewed by qualified professionals. Reform UK's chief whip Lee Anderson confirmed McMurdock's self-removal of the whip pending an internal investigation and stated that McMurdock is cooperating fully. These events mark a significant challenge for the right-wing party led by Nigel Farage, which currently has four sitting MPs following recent elections. The investigation focuses on activities from before McMurdock became an MP, and the party has pledged to handle the matter internally.