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

James McMurdock has been MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock since 4 July 2024. He entered the Commons as a Reform UK MP at the 2024 general election. Parliament records Independent affiliation from 5 July 2025, following his earlier Reform affiliation. Source: https://members.parliament.uk/member/5361/career

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.

Sources: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c78n1dxl8wwo