Australian Senator David Van denies third sexual misconduct claim

Australia has been rocked by allegations of sexual misconduct against an opposition senator.

On Wednesday, Senator Lidia Thorpe accused David Van of sexual assault and harassment – claims he strongly denies, and that she later withdrew.

Mr Van was then removed from the Liberal party by leader Peter Dutton, who said other allegations had emerged.

Mr Van has now rejected a third woman’s complaint of inappropriate touching and says he is “shattered” by the claims.

Mr Dutton told 2GB radio that it would be in “everyone’s best interest” for Mr Van to resign from parliament “sooner [rather] than later” and “seek the help that he needs”.