Rumours that Julie Bishop and Sydney man Luke Hepworth are an item

Three months after her shock split from long-time love David Panton, former foreign minister Julie Bishop has a regular new plus-one at public events. Read about the Sydney man here.

Romance rumours are swirling around former foreign minister Julie Bishop and her regular plus-one Luke Hepworth.

The always-glamorous Bishop, 66, split from long-time partner David Panton earlier this year.

Confidential noticed hunk Hepworth had attended several events with the prominent ex-politician — most recently the Perth Telethon on the weekend of October 22.

Sydney-based Hepworth cackled, though, when Confidential called to ask about a possible romance.

“We are working on a charity project for the Children’s Cancer Institute,” he said. “We are definitely not dating, mate.”

Luke Hepworth and Julie Bishop at the Perth Telethon last weekend. Picture: Supplied

Hepworth explained that the pair met a couple of years back at a Gold charity dinner.

“I am not in a relationship,” he said.

The pair have not been shy about posting pics on social media. This one is on Hepworth’s Instagram page …

… and this one from Bishop’s Insta.

Pushed on the fact both had posted several images together on social media, he said: “No mate, she is just a good friend of mine and a wonderful human, so we have been to a couple of charity events.”

Hepsworth, 48, describes himself as an “adventure philanthropist” on his website, detailing the charity initiatives he has supported, including climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, and taking part in the World Marathon Challenge of running seven marathons across seven continents within seven days.

“I raise money for charity doing adventure activities, climbing mountains and running marathons and that kind of stuff,” he said.

Got a news tip? Email [e-mail]