A Reform UK MP has removed the party whip from himself, leaving the party with just four MPs in the Commons.
James McMurdock, the MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, today telephoned party chief whip Lee Anderson with the news he was leaving.
Mr Anderson said in a statement: “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 business propriety during the pandemic and before he became an MP. At Reform UK we take these matters very seriously and James has agreed to cooperate in full with any investigation.
“We will not be commenting further at this moment.”
More to follow.