At a glanceJames McMurdock is a Independent MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, and has represented the seat for 2 years. They have cast 236 votes in Commons divisions (41% attendance), tabled 4,201 written questions and registered 2 financial interests.
Attendance is votes cast as a share of the 575 Commons divisions since the 2024 election; James McMurdock did not vote in 337.
Biography
Current roles
- Independent Party since 5 Jul 2025
- South Basildon and East Thurrock Representation · Elected 1 time since 4 Jul 2024
Voting record
Register of financial interests
From the official Register; shown as registered.
Visits outside the UK1
- International visit to Brunei between 24 May 2026 and 29 May 2026 (registered 5 Jun 2026)
Miscellaneous1
- Directorship of Gym Live Health and Fitness Limited. This is a dormant company awaiting strike off. (registered 18 Aug 2025)
Written questions
Written question
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the potential risk of fraud associated with the Youth Guarantee.
Awaiting an answer from the Department for Work and Pensions.
Written question
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps is she taking to support children through the transition from EHCPs to ISPs.
Awaiting an answer from the Department for Education.
Written question
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to support neurodivergent children transitioning from primary to secondary school.
Awaiting an answer from the Department for Education.
Written question
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to support neurodivergent children that are not eligible for an EHCP.
Awaiting an answer from the Department for Education.
Written question
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Best Value Notice issued to Basildon Borough Council on 15 July 2026, whether his Department holds a timeline of the events that led to the issue of the Not
Awaiting an answer from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
Written question
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Best Value Notice issued to Basildon Borough Council on 15 July 2026, whether his Department received representations from elected members of Basildon Borou
Awaiting an answer from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
Written question
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Best Value Notice issued to Basildon Borough Council on 15 July 2026, whether concerns relating to the Council's preparedness for local government reorganis
Awaiting an answer from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
Written question
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Best Value Notice issued to Basildon Borough Council on 15 July 2026, what opportunities were provided to Basildon Borough Council to respond to his Departm
Awaiting an answer from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
Early day motions
| 29 Jun 2026 | Northlands Primary School | 2 sig. |
| 9 Jun 2026 | Horndon-on-the-Hill Primary School and school swimming lessons | 2 sig. |
| 8 Jun 2026 | Bowers & Pitsea FC | 3 sig. |
| 3 Jun 2026 | Exemptions permitting the carrying of ceremonial knives | 2 sig. |
| 1 Jun 2026 | The Proper Blokes Club | 3 sig. |
| 13 Apr 2026 | Support for the Salvation Army in Basildon | 3 sig. |
Speeches in the chamber
13 Jul 2026 Illegal Immigrants: Offshore Detention and Deportation
It is a pleasure and an honour to speak under your chairmanship, Mr Twigg. I thank the 1,673 South Basildon and East Thurrock constituents who took the time to sign the petition. When discussing illegal migration, we must begin with a s…
8 Jul 2026 Engagements
Q3. Over the past week, rules and regulations have come understandably under sharp focus, but even more important than rules and regulations is the law. On that topic, I believe there are a number of things that everyone in the House ca…
17 Jun 2026 Engagements
On a point of order, Mr Speaker.
10 Jun 2026 Engagements
Q9. If any member of the public wishes to visit a major sporting or music event, they can expect to be searched on the way in. If they bring a bottle of water, the lid will be taken. If they order a drink from the bar, it will be served…
2 Mar 2026 Middle East
Although I might not agree with all the conclusions that the Prime Minister has drawn, I am very grateful for the reverence and caution that he shows, and for the respect for human life that he has been trying to demonstrate. The limited t…
28 Jan 2026 Engagements
Q13. G R Carr is a business in Burnt Mills in my constituency with more than half a century of experience in steel manufacturing and fabrication. It is exactly the kind of medium-sized business that builds this country and that we should…
26 Jan 2026 Animal Rescue Centres
It is a pleasure to speak under your chairmanship, Sir Alec. I thank everybody involved with the petition, whether they put their name to it or got it off the ground. Just outside my constituency of South Basildon and East Thurrock, the…
26 Jan 2026 Key Stage 1 Curriculum
I am very grateful to the hon. Member for giving way at this last moment. Does she agree with me that these debates are called debates for a reason, and that where there is an overwhelming outcome to a debate—one way or the other—we expect…
26 Jan 2026 Key Stage 1 Curriculum
I thank the hon. Member for South Cotswolds (Dr Savage) for her exceptionally detailed and very interesting opening speech. I have had the tremendous privilege of visiting several schools in my constituency, and I think all Members will…
12 Jan 2026 Local Elections: Basildon and Thurrock
I appreciate the Minister’s answer about this being locally led, but there are genuine concerns that the criteria that may be put forward as a justification to cancel elections locally do not meet the standard expected by my residents. Wha…
12 Jan 2026 Local Elections: Basildon and Thurrock
13. What recent discussions he has had with Basildon and Thurrock councils on proposals to postpone the local elections of May 2026.
8 Dec 2025 Digital ID
That is a good point very well made, and it brings me to another point, which has not been raised in this debate: although the Government state that digital ID is optional—at least, at this stage—for the taxpayer, the cost is not optional.…
8 Dec 2025 Digital ID
Thank you for saving me until last, Ms Furniss. With Christmas around the corner, the squats from bobbing will come in very handy. The proposal to introduce digital ID represents one of the most significant changes to the relationship b…
24 Nov 2025 Homelessness Guidance
Ministers will be well aware that the maximum period of time for which the most vulnerable people should ever be placed in temporary accommodation is six weeks, but I have seen repeatedly from Labour-run Basildon council a tweaking and gam…
24 Nov 2025 Homelessness Guidance
12. What steps he is taking to improve homelessness guidance for local government.
19 Nov 2025 Engagements
Q7. It is an open secret that the gig economy is a magnet for organised crime and illegal workers. As Christmas approaches and demand increases, so do the associated risks. Will the Prime Minister please explain why enforcement in this a…
17 Nov 2025 Channel Crossings
According to a recent National Audit Office report, £15.3 billion will be spent on asylum accommodation alone over the next 10 years. That money will be spent on people who will, in some instances, commit violent and sexual crimes—crimes t…
17 Nov 2025 Channel Crossings
7. What steps she is taking to reduce the cost to the public purse of migrants who have crossed the channel illegally.
17 Nov 2025 Social Media Posts: Penalties for Offences
Will the hon. Member give way on that point?
29 Oct 2025 Engagements
Q2. Earlier this week, I got to see the very best and some of the worst of our national health service. When my own daughter needed it, it was there, but when an 89-year-old gentleman in the restaurant I was eating at collapsed, it took…
Source: contributions on parliament.uk.
Full parliamentary career
Expenses
Contact & offices
Parliamentary office
House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about James McMurdock, answered from official Parliament data.
Who is James McMurdock?
James McMurdock is a Member of Parliament representing South Basildon and East Thurrock in the House of Commons. See James McMurdock's official Parliament profile.
Which party does James McMurdock represent?
James McMurdock sits as Independent. See James McMurdock's official Parliament profile.
Which constituency does James McMurdock represent?
James McMurdock is the Member of Parliament for South Basildon and East Thurrock. See James McMurdock's official Parliament profile.
How long has James McMurdock been an MP?
James McMurdock has served in the House of Commons for 2 years. See James McMurdock's official Parliament profile.
What registered interests are listed for James McMurdock?
James McMurdock has 2 entries in the Register of Members' Financial Interests. See James McMurdock's official Parliament profile.
Source: this MP's official Parliament profile. Last updated 26 Jul 2026.