James McMurdock, the Reform UK Member of Parliament for South Basildon and East Thurrock, has resigned the party whip and suspended himself from Reform UK amid an ongoing investigation into allegations of business impropriety during the Covid-19 pandemic. The investigation, initially reported by The Sunday Times, centers on McMurdock's use of approximately £70,000 in government-backed Bounce Back loans through two companies—one dormant before the pandemic and the other with minimal assets. McMurdock has declined to clarify the legitimate business purposes of these loans but maintains that all his business dealings complied with regulations. Reform UK chief whip Lee Anderson confirmed McMurdock's self-suspension pending the outcome of the probe, which has been widely covered by national media. Following legal advice, McMurdock has announced he will not return to Reform UK and will instead sit as an independent MP. The investigation into his business affairs is expected to continue despite his departure from the party. This development comes amid broader challenges for Reform UK, including recent changes to candidate vetting rules and high-profile defections from the Conservative Party, such as former Cabinet minister David Jones joining Reform UK.