Richard Tice has said a Reform UK MP convicted of assaulting his former girlfriend 18 years ago will not be suspended and would pass the party's new vetting process.The deputy leader said James McMurdock was someone who had "got things wrong, learnt from it and has grown and succeeded".The former investment banker did not publicly disclose his conviction for assault before being elected as MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, and claimed he had "pushed" his partner when details were first di

Richard Tice has said a Reform UK MP convicted of assaulting his former girlfriend 18 years ago will not be suspended and would pass the party's new vetting process.The deputy leader said James McMurdock was someone who had "got things wrong, learnt from it and has grown and succeeded".The former investment banker did not publicly disclose his conviction for assault before being elected as MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, and claimed he had "pushed" his partner when details were first disclosed this summer.