A storm is brewing in Westminster as an MP comes under scrutiny for alleged misuse of social media.
James McMurdock, an Essex MP who left the Reform Party amid controversy over Covid loan claims, is being investigated by the Parliamentary standards watchdog.
The probe centers on accusations that his online actions could have caused “significant damage to the reputation and integrity of the House of Commons.”
Allegations of Racially Charged Comments
The controversy stems from a claim that McMurdock participated in what’s been dubbed an “N-tower” on X.
This tactic allegedly allows users to convey a racial slur without directly writing it by posting single letters that, when read vertically, form the offensive word.
McMurdock is accused of posting the letter “N” in response to a tweet about a Black journalist questioning Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, with other users then adding letters to complete the slur.
Colleagues Speak Out
Tory MP Ben Obese-Jecty, who filed the complaint with the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, expressed his outrage on Times Radio.
He described the tweet as “an absolute disgrace,” insisting that it is unacceptable for a parliamentarian to target a journalist based on race.
Obese-Jecty added bluntly that, in his view, McMurdock is “not fit to be a Member of Parliament.”
McMurdock Denies Wrongdoing
McMurdock, however, has rejected the allegations.
He claims his single-letter comment was “entirely random and wholly insignificant,” posted while he was on holiday.
He denied any connection to the accounts that added the following letters and stressed his willingness to cooperate with the investigation.
“I’ll respond and they’ll clear it,” he stated confidently.
What Comes Next?
The investigation will determine whether McMurdock’s actions violated parliamentary standards.
Meanwhile, the case has sparked broader discussions about MPs’ conduct online and the responsibilities public figures have when interacting on social media.