James McMurdock MP has been cleared by the House of Commons' standards commissioner following an investigation into his register of interests. Mr McMurdock was elected as one of Reform UK's five MPs at the last election, but lost the whip in July following a report by the Sunday Times regarding the receipt of Covid business loans during the pandemic.

This afternoon the Commons' top sleaze buster Daniel Greenberg said that after considering evidence, he would not be upholding allegations against Mr McMurdock regarding registering the directorship of a company on his list of MP interests. In a statement this afternoon, the MP for South Basildon & East Thurrock said: "Witch Hunt Over. The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards has cleared me of any wrongdoing. I would like to thank the Independent Parliament Standards Authority, the Commissioner, and his office, for their diligent and professional work."

"In addition to the above, I have spoken and worked with other government agencies. I can confirm there is no other investigation that I am aware of that requires my support.

"This was a malicious attack, without substance, designed to damage my reputation. It has failed. I will continue, undeterred, as I have since the day of my election, to dedicate my energies to being the best parliamentary representative I can be for my constituents in South Basildon and East Thurrock.

"I would like to share my gratitude to everyone who has sent me kind messages, and to my constituents who have been overwhelmingly generous in their support."

His reference to "other investigations" appears to be related to a Sunday Times claim he had been referred to the Public Sector Fraud Authority by the Covid corruption commissioner, an appointee by Rachel Reeves.

The Sunday Times reported that Mr McMurdock borrowed around £70,000 via two firms he owned in 2020, including a previously dormant company.

He suspended himself from Reform UK after being approached by the Sunday Times, pending the outcome of an investigation.

He insisted hid business dealings had been assessed by "appropriately qualified professionals" and "absolute compliance was confirmed".

"As a precautionary measure, and for the protection of Reform UK, I have asked to have the whip suspended temporarily."

He won his Essex seat by just 98 votes, one of the slimmest majorities in Parliament, and has sat as an independent MP since.

Reform UK has been approached for comment.