Liberal Senator Hollie Hughes clashes with ex-staffer Rachelle Miller over Alan Tudge bullying allegations

A Liberal senator has told an ex-staffer she needs ‘lots of therapy’ in a late-night Twitter tirade. Here’s what sparked the ugly war of words.

A Liberal senator who complained about a vile sexist slur that she should “keep her legs shut” has herself launched an extraordinary attack on another woman telling an ex-Liberal staffer she needs “lots of therapy” after complaining about bullying at work.

NSW Liberal Senator Hollie Hughes launched the late-night Twitter tirade at former Liberal staffer Rachelle Miller, who had an extra-marital affair with Education Minister Alan Tudge.

On Monday night, Senator Hughes said she backed Mr Tudge to the hilt declaring “I also stand with Tudgey!”

Ms Miller claims that the relationship was emotionally abusive, that she was bullied and that she was once kicked out of bed after sex by the cabinet minister.

The claims are now the subject of an independent investigation led by Vivienne Thom. Mr Tudge completely denies any allegations of bullying or abuse but agrees the couple had a consensual sexual relationship which he “deeply regrets.”

The Prime Minister received the final report on January 28 and is now considering the findings while Mr Tudge remains on leave from Parliament.

But Senator Hughes appeared to pre-empt those findings on Monday night as she attacked Ms Miller over “unfounded accusations.”

Former Liberal staffer Rachelle Miller (above) sparked a war of words on Twitter after comparing Liberal Senator Hollie Hughes with a sitcom character who aspires to climb the social ladder. Picture : NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

https://t.co/N38yG8z4fTpic.twitter.com/EqjcZLpUoB

— Rachelle Miller (@rachellejmiller) February 14, 2022

“Wow - you have some serious issues! Honey, lots of therapy. Stop making unfounded accusations then hiding behind false legal premises,’’ she said.

“But insulting women who don’t agree with you - you’ll fit right in with your new Green mates. I notice silent about Chairman Dan as well.”

The context of Senator Hughe’s outburst was Ms Miller making a joke on Twitter that she was trying to work out who Senator Hughes reminded her and had finally realised who it was.

She said it was Hyacinth Bucket in the comedy Keeping Up Appearances.

In the TV series, the character is a woman who aspires to climb the social ladder and impress rich and successful people.

Liberal Senator Hollie Hughes (above) said Ms Miller had “serious issues” and needed “therapy” after the ex-staffer took issue with a post she made in support of Education Minister Alan Tudge. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

Last year Senator Hughes was targeted in a brutal gibe from Greens Senator Lidia Thorpe.

Lidia Thorpe was accused of telling Hollie Hughes “at least I keep my legs shut” in parliament, an interjection that colleagues say left the woman in tears.

NSW Senator Hollie Hughes was reportedly left in tears by the incident, which occurred during a late night sitting of Parliament as Greens Senator Lidia Thorpe yelled at her across the chamber.

“I am still in a bit of shock,” Senator Hughes told Sky News after the incident.

She also claimed Senator Thorpe’s “legs shut” comment could have been in relation to her autistic son – despite the fact Senator Thorpe made no mention of her child whatsoever.

Senator Thorpe apologised to the Senate and unreservedly to Senator Hughes.

“I just want to unreservedly take back the comments that I made earlier when interjecting, and I apologise to that senator, Senator Hughes, wholeheartedly. That won’t happen again. So I apologise to the senator and also the Senate,” Senator Thorpe said.

Senator Hughes has previously attacked the former Liberal staffer Rachelle Miller on Sky News.

“What does (Ms Miller) want us to do? What does she want us to do?,” Senator Hughes said.

“There are a series of steps we are taking to provide a HR complaints mechanism for staff.

“But Minister Tudge has denied this version of events. So again, we are in ‘he said, she said.’”