LESS than a year after South Basildon and East Thurrock MP James McMurdock pulled the plug on his membership of Reform UK, it seems its party leader Nigel Farage has built a bridge so he can cross back.

In July 2025 Mr McMurdock announced he was quitting the Reform whip exactly a year after being elected, a first year in parliament which had already seen him court controversy when it was revealed by the media he had not disclosed a previous criminal conviction for assaulting his girlfriend. The resignation followed accusations by the Sunday Times that Mr McMurdock had engaged in improper business transactions during the Covid pandemic.

The MP has always denied any wrongdoing and Mr McMurdock insisted: "All my business dealings had always been conducted fully within the law and in compliance with all regulations and that appropriately qualified professionals had reviewed all activity confirming the same."

He said he wanted to concentrate on his parliamentary career as an independent MP where "I can focus 100 per cent on the interests of my constituents."

However, Mr Farage has hinted the borough MP's exile might soon be over – and Mr McMurdock has given an indication he feels the same.

Speaking in Thurrock, Mr Farage told the BBC: "I'm hoping we can get this thing ironed out" and that was followed by Mr McMurdock confirming he would like to rejoin the party.

"I really think Reform is an important movement at the minute," said Mr McMurdock.

Reform had said it would carry out its own internal investigation and that McMurdock had agreed to "cooperate in full".

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Mr Farage was asked if his former colleague had been cleared of any wrongdoing by the party and added: "I don't want to prejudge anything".

James McMurdock MP (right) celebrated his election victory in 2024 with a pint with Nigel Farage at Corringham's Wyldecrest Club.

Labour criticised Reform's handling of McMurdock in a statement: "After serious allegations surfaced against James McMurdock over his financial affairs, Nigel Farage did nothing.

"If Reform are intent on letting him back into their party, it will tell you everything you need know about Nigel Farage's judgement.

"Reform simply cannot be trusted to uphold the high standards expected in public life."

Mr McMurdockm who lives in South Ockendon and entered the 2024 general election race as a 'paper candidate' won the  seat from the Conservatives, beating Labour by just 98 votes.