Reform UK MP quits celebration with allegations ‘about to interrupt’ | Politics | News | EUROtoday

A Reform UK MP has eliminated the celebration whip from himself, leaving the celebration with simply 4 MPs within the Commons.

James McMurdock, the MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, as we speak telephoned celebration chief whip Lee Anderson with the information he was leaving.

The Sunday Times revealed a narrative as we speak which alleged Mr McMurdock took out Covid loans totalling £70,000 relating to 2 companies.

Mr Anderson stated in a press release: “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 enterprise propriety throughout the pandemic and earlier than he turned an MP. At Reform UK we take these issues very severely and James has agreed to cooperate in full with any investigation.

“We will not be commenting further at this moment.”

Mr McMurdock received his previously Tory-held seat by 98 votes within the July common election, with Labour in second place.

His departure from Reform’s ranks comes because the celebration strives to professionalise its operations. In March, Rupert Lowe had the whip eliminated; the Great Yarmouth MP now sits as an Independent.

There was additional drama final month when Zia Yusuf give up as celebration chairman, solely to return in a brand new function with a deal with uncovering native authorities inefficiency.

Despite the turbulence, Reform enjoys a double-digit lead over the Conservatives. Politico’s ballot of polls places Reform on 29%, forward of Labour (23%), the Conservatives (17%), the Liberal Democrats (15%) and the Greens (10%).

Former Conservative chief Boris Johnson, in the meantime, advised a Swiss journal one of the best ways to cope with Nigel Farage is to disregard him.

He stated: “My strategy with the individuals that you mention is don’t talk about them… Talk about what you are going to offer the people.

“I think Conservatives need to focus on the economy and making life better for people and giving people opportunity. I think if we concentrate on the economy we mount full spectrum warfare on all the things that Starmer is doing wrong, we will win.”

Mr McMurdock has been invited to remark.