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A former Reform UK Member of Parliament has been cleared by the parliamentary standards commissioner following an allegation of failing to declare a financial interest.
James McMurdock, currently an independent MP representing South Basildon and East Thurrock in Essex, holds a directorship in a health and fitness company.
The parliamentary standards commissioner dismissed the complaint, but advised that his unpaid directorship should be registered within his parliamentary interests.
Mr. McMurdock characterized the complaint as a “malicious attack” that had “failed”.
Labour MP Jon Pearce had previously raised concerns about a potential breach of parliamentary rules by Mr. McMurdock.
Public records at Companies House list Mr. McMurdock as an active director at Gym Live Health and Fitness Ltd, registered in Hockley, Essex.
Daniel Greenberg, the standards commissioner, noted in his investigation report that Mr. McMurdock stated he was advised during his parliamentary induction “that this specific interest did not need to be registered”.
Mr. Greenberg explained, “Although this advice did not qualify as formal safe harbour advice, I decided it was reasonable for Mr McMurdock to have relied on the advice he had been given and therefore did not uphold the allegation.”
However, the commissioner clarified that the guidance provided during the induction session was “wrong”.
Mr. McMurdock assumed his parliamentary seat after winning last July’s general election, defeating the Labour candidate by a margin of just 98 votes.
He resigned from Reform UK last month amid scrutiny regarding his eligibility to claim £70,000 in bounce-back loans during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Mr. McMurdock has denied any wrongdoing, stating on social media that “all my business dealings had always been conducted fully within the law and in compliance with all regulations”.
Reform UK announced it would launch an investigation into the matter.
In his recent statement, Mr. McMurdock affirmed, “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.”
He further stated that the complaint to the standards commissioner was made “without substance, designed to damage my reputation”.
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