Lidia Thorpe withdraws accusation made in parliament of sexual assault against senator David Van

Liberal vehemently denied the claims made by the independent senator under privilege, which she later withdrew to comply with Senate rules

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Lidia Thorpe has withdrawn allegations she made in parliament accusing Senate colleague David Van of harassment and sexual assault, an allegation the Liberal politician vehemently denied.

After making the initial claim on Wednesday afternoon, Thorpe returned to the chamber to say she was withdrawing the remarks in order to comply with Senate standing orders, but would make further comment on Thursday. Thorpe made the initial claims under parliamentary privilege during an interjection in the Senate on Wednesday afternoon as Van was speaking about respect in parliament.

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