Reform UK MP James McMurdock has removed himself from the party after allegations emerged about his business dealings during the Covid pandemic. The South Basildon and East Thurrock MP contacted Reform chief whip Lee Anderson on Saturday to confirm he had "removed the party whip from himself" while an investigation takes place.

Mr Anderson released a statement shortly after, saying the allegations are expected to be published by a national newspaper and relate to Mr McMurdock’s business activity before he became an MP.

“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,” Mr Anderson said in a statement shared on X, formerly Twitter.

“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 became an MP in the 2024 general election, which saw Nigel Farage’s Reform UK secure four seats.