Reform UK MP James McMurdock has voluntarily suspended himself from the party whip amid emerging allegations related to his business activities during the pandemic, according to a statement released by Chief Whip Lee Anderson.

The allegations, reportedly due to appear in a national newspaper, concern McMurdock’s financial conduct prior to becoming an MP. The Reform MP, who recently won Great Yarmouth by just 98 votes, informed the party of his decision shortly after 1pm on Saturday.

“James has removed the party whip from himself pending the outcome of an investigation,” Anderson confirmed, adding that Reform UK “takes these matters very seriously.”

This marks the second controversy involving a Reform MP in recent months. In March, Rupert Lowe was also suspended over allegations of threatening behaviour — though he was later cleared by the police.

McMurdock has pledged full cooperation with any forthcoming investigations.

Stay with VodTalk for further updates on this developing political story.