A Reform UK MP has removed the party whip from himself, leaving the party with just four MPs in the Commons.

James McMurdock, the MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, today telephoned party chief whip Lee Anderson with the news he was leaving.

The Sunday Times published a story today which alleged Mr McMurdock took out Covid loans totalling £70,000 relating to two businesses.

Mr Anderson said in a statement: “I have today received a call from James McMurdock who has advised me, as chief whip, that he has removed the party whip from himself pending the outcome of an investigation into allegations that are likely to be published by a national newspaper.

“The allegations relate to business propriety during the pandemic and before he became an MP. At Reform UK we take these matters very seriously and James has agreed to cooperate in full with any investigation.

“We will not be commenting further at this moment.”

Mr McMurdock won his formerly Tory-held seat by 98 votes in the July general election, with Labour into second place.

His departure from Reform ranks comes as the party strives to professionalise its operations. In March, Rupert Lowe has the whip removed; the Great Yarmouth MP now sits as an Independent.

There was further drama last month when Zia Yusuf quit as party chairman, only to return in a new role with a focus on uncovering local government inefficiency.

Despite the turbulence, Reform enjoys a double-digit lead over the Conservatives. Politico’s poll of polls puts Reform on 29%, ahead of Labour (23%), the Conservatives (17%), the Liberal Democrats (15%) and the Greens (10%).

Former Conservative leader Boris Johnson told a Swiss magazine the best way to deal with Nigel Farage is to ignore him.

He said: “My strategy with the individuals that you mention is don’t talk about them… Talk about what you are going to offer the people.

“I think Conservatives need to focus on the economy and making life better for people and giving people opportunity. I think if we concentrate on the economy we mount full spectrum warfare on all the things that Starmer is doing wrong, we will win.”

Mr McMurdock has been invited to comment.