Senator David Van has denied any part in the accusations levelled against hime by Lidia Thorpe, despite Peter Dutton’s decision to boot him from the Liberal Party.

Senator Thorpe made an emotional speech under parliamentary privilege, detailing how hard it was to hear Senator Van describe the need to protect women after he allegedly sexually assaulted her.

Mr Van has requested leave from the senate in order to build a defence against the allegations.

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Senator Van accused Lidia Thorpe of “cowering under the umbrella of parliamentary privilege” during his vehement denial of the accusation.

Image: Getty/Alex Ellinghausen