THE new MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock says he is still "deeply ashamed" of his actions after it was revealed he served time in prison for assaulting a woman when he was 19. 

James McMurdock, who won the seat for Reform UK by just 98 votes last Friday, admitted one charge of common assault when he was 19 after a row with his then partner on a night out.

The Daily Mail has reported McMurdock, now 38, later admitted the offence at Chelmsford Crown Court.

Elected – James McMurdock became the new MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock after winning the seat by just 98 votesElected – James McMurdock became the new MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock after winning the seat by 98 votes (Image: Press Association)

He served ten days in a young offenders institution, and McMurdock said in an official statement he is still “deeply ashamed” of what happened.

The victim’s mother described him as “a monster” when she spoke to the Mail, adding she felt he should not be representing people in parliament.

She said: “There is no way he should be an MP in the House of Commons representing people.”

Mr McMurdock, who is a former trader in the City and is married with four children, denied some of the details of the incident but said he would not hide from the conviction.

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.”

He added he reported himself to police after the incident.

Admitted – James McMurdock admitted one charge of common assault on the first day of his trial at Chelmsford Crown Court when he was 19Admitted – James McMurdock admitted one charge of common assault on the first day of his trial at Chelmsford Crown Court when he was 19 (Image: Daniel Rees, Newsquest)

“Despite us both being very drunk, I handed myself into the police immediately and admitted my fault,” he added.

“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.”