Former Reform MP James McMurdock cleared of wrongdoing in Covid business loan investigation
The South Basildon and East Thurrock MP quit Reform in July when the Sunday Times reported McMurdock took out Covid-19 loans totalling £70,000 during the pandemic, one of which had no employees.
In a post on X on Tuesday, McMurdock wrote "Witch Hunt Over" and shared a statement saying the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority had cleared him of wrongdoing.
He said: "This was a malicious attack, without substance, designed to damage my reputation. It has failed."
He said he would continue to serve as the MP for the region and thanked people for their support during the investigation.
McMurdock was one of five Reform MPs elected in the 2024 election, but resigned from the party when these accusations were made.
He is one of the two of the five Reform MPs elected a year ago, when Rupert Lowe, who represents Great Yarmouth, was suspended earlier this year.
When the allegations emerged, McMurdock said he was"removed the party whip from himself" and said he would "continue my parliamentary career as an independent MP where I can focus 100% on the interests of my constituents".
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