James McMurdock has permanently quit Reform UK (Image: Getty)

       James McMurdock has announced that he has permanently quit Reform UK amid questions over Covid loans. The MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock "removed the party whip from himself" last week pending the outcome of an investigation relating to allegations around "business propriety during the pandemic".

       The Sunday Times published a story on Saturday which alleged two businesses connected to Mr McMurdock took out Covid-19 loans totalling ￡70,000 during the pandemic, one of which had no employees. In a post on X today,, the MP said he "had a chance to take specialist legal advice from an expert in the relevant field" since the loans came to light.

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       Further to my statement tweeted on 5th July 2025. I have now had a chance to take specialist legal advice from an expert in the relevant field. In light of that advice, which is privileged and which I choose to keep private at this time, I have decided to continue my…

       — James McMurdock MP (@JMcMurdockMP) July 8, 2025

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       He added: "In light of that advice, which is privileged and which I choose to keep private at this time, I have decided to continue my parliamentary career as an independent MP where I can focus 100% on the interests of my constituents."

       According to Companies House, Mr McMurdock is listed as the current director of Gym Live Health and Fitness Limited, and a former director of J A M Financial Limited, a position he resigned in 2021.

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       Mr McMurdock insisted when the Sunday Times news story broke that "all my business dealings had always been conducted fully within the law and in compliance with all regulations and that appropriately qualified professionals had reviewed all activity confirming the same".

       He said he had asked for the Reform whip to be suspended temporarily as a "precautionary measure".