James McMurdock - MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock | Reform Watch
Profile and accountability tracker for James McMurdock, MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock. Independent.
Role: MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock
Party: Independent
Serving as the Member of Parliament for South Basildon and East Thurrock since 2024, James McMurdock was initially elected as a member of Reform UK. He left the party in July 2025 amid allegations of receiving £70,000 in Bounce Back business loans during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite his businesses being described as "effectively dormant." Currently, he operates as an independent MP.
Recorded incidents (showing 1-1 of 1)
James McMurdock gave up Reform UK whip over Covid loan questions
Category: financial conduct concern
Location: East of England
James McMurdock, elected as the Reform UK MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, gave up the party whip in July 2025 after The Times raised questions about tens of thousands of pounds in Bounce Back loans taken out by companies linked to him during the Covid-19 pandemic. He denied any wrongdoing and said he had complied with the rules as he understood them at the time. He continues to sit as an independent MP.