MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock
“A centrist Independent backbencher who often defies party lines, notably on finance- and pensions-related bills.”
James McMurdock is an Independent MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, elected on 4 July 2024. He sits in Parliament as an Independent with a centrist voting stance. The available data does not provide details of his career before becoming an MP.
His party loyalty is 53%, well below the party average of 80%, and his voting attendance is 9%, far below the party average of 25%. He has 87 rebel votes, indicating frequent departures from party positions. On key topics, his votes are a mix, with support for mental health services and prison sentencing, and opposition to VAT changes, renters protections, and some climate measures.
Declares one miscellaneous financial interest.
Generated 21 February 2026
How this MP participates in parliamentary votes. These numbers describe activity, not effectiveness.
How often this MP votes
Independent average: 25%
The percentage of parliamentary votes (divisions) this MP participated in. MPs may miss votes for legitimate reasons including ministerial duties, constituency work, or illness.
How often this MP votes with their party
Independent average: 80%
Estimated from voting record, not self-declared. This is a simplified model — real politics is more complex than a single axis.
Figures include only interests with declared monetary values from the Register of Members' Financial Interests. Some categories (e.g. hospitality, overseas visits) may not have monetary values recorded, so the total may not reflect all declared interests.
Victims and Courts Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 6
NOVictims and Courts Bill
Victims and Courts Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 5
NOVictims and Courts Bill
Victims and Courts Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 4
NOVictims and Courts Bill
Victims and Courts Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 3
NOVictims and Courts Bill
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 6
NONational Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 5
NONational Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 3
NONational Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 2
NONational Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill
National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill: motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 1
NONational Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill
Finance (No. 2) Bill: Third Reading
NOFinance (No. 2) Bill
Finance (No. 2) Bill Report Stage: Amendment 6
AYEFinance (No. 2) Bill
Finance (No. 2) Bill Report Stage: Amendment 5
AYEFinance (No. 2) Bill
Finance (No. 2) Bill Report Stage: New Clause 11
AYEFinance (No. 2) Bill
The percentage of votes where this MP voted the same way as the majority of their party. High loyalty is typical; most MPs vote with their party on most issues.
Rebel votes
Times this MP voted differently from the majority of their party. This can reflect independent judgement, but context matters — some rebel votes are on procedural matters, others on major policy.
