Reform MP was jailed for attacking ex-girlfriend outside nightclub
Reform UK has confirmed McMurdock was jailed for assaulting a former girlfriend but disputed the details of the attack.
A Reform UK MP was jailed for assaulting a former girlfriend, it has been revealed.
James McMurdock pleaded guilty to one charge of assault at Chelmsford Crown Court.
The MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, 38, was elected as one of Nigel Farage’s five MPs by just 98 votes in last week’s general election.
It emerged on Friday that the merchant banker from Essex attacked his former partner outside a nightclub during an alcohol-fuelled night out in Chelmsford almost 20 years ago.
The barman at the time was apprehended by two doormen who called the police.
McMurdock was arrested and charged with assault.
He was sentenced to a short prison term.
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Reform UK has confirmed McMurdock was jailed for assaulting a former girlfriend, but disputed the details of the attack.
The MP, who is now a married father-of-four, described the incident as “the biggest regret of my life”.
In a statement, he said: “While I absolutely deny the horrific details in this tale, there is one truth in it that I cannot, nor will not deny or hide from.
“A generous person might call it a teenage indiscretion, but I do not expect everyone to be so kind.
“Nearly 20 years ago, at 19 years of age, at the end of a night out together, we argued and I pushed her.
“She fell over and she was hurt. Despite being 38 now and having lived a whole life again I still feel deeply ashamed of that moment and apologetic.
“Despite us both being very drunk, I handed myself into the police immediately and admitted my fault.
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“I was charged for what I did, not for what has been claimed, and I faced the consequences then and paid for my action in full.
“This is the biggest regret of my life and I wish I could go back in time and fix things."
A Reform UK spokesman told Mail Online, who first reported the story, that covering the attack and McMurdock's prison sentence was a breach of his privacy.
They added that Reform UK “believes strongly that people can change their lives.”
The Party said: “Mr McMurdock absolutely rejects allegations that he either kicked, stamped or punched the victim, though he accepts that he pushed her, she fell and was injured.
“He handed himself in, and pleaded guilty to Common Assault, about which he continues to be deeply ashamed.
“Reform UK believes strongly that people can change their lives. The young Essex teenager of 20 years ago is one that learned from that mistake and has become a role model for his peers. Happily married, hard-working and grounded.
“Mr McMurdock was entirely honest with us when he applied to become our candidate for his hometown and his life shows that one can change, for the better.”
