Canberra Liberals deny threat of physical assault allegations by ex-leader

The Canberra Liberals have hosed down allegations by their former leader Leanne Castley that she had been threatened with physical assault.

Ms Castley quit the party yesterday to sit on the crossbench as an independent, saying she had had "enough of being part of an organisation with such a toxic culture".

She alleged that over the past 18 months, she had "experienced bullying, intimidation, lies, and even a threat of physical assault".

Ms Castley did not provide more specific details about the allegations.

Today, current Liberal leader Mark Parton held a press conference, saying an "animated discussion" had taken place between himself, Ms Castley and Ginninderra MLA Chaika Barry last month.

Mr Parton said there was a "misunderstanding" during that conversation that had been "instantly cleared up".

"I instantly intervened. I said 'woah, just back it up there for a moment'.

"When I heard Leanne raise allegations of threats of violence this week, I thought maybe she was talking about some other incident that I didn't have any knowledge of because, to my mind, this one had been dealt with.

Ms Barry echoed Mr Parton's response to Ms Castley's allegations and also said she wanted to "clear the air".

"I understand that Ms Castley perceived momentarily that there was a threat made against her, but after Mr Parton's intervention I very clearly clarified that this was not the case," Ms Barry said in a statement.

"I believed that the incident had been dealt with at that moment.

"Given the public discussion surrounding these events, I believe it is important to clear the air and confirm that concerns raised at the time were addressed immediately."

Castley accuses party of tolerating, minimising 'poor behaviour'

In a statement this afternoon, Ms Castley confirmed she had now made a formal complaint about the matter.

"Opposition members' comments in the last 36 hours demonstrate the culture I have walked away from: a party that tolerates poor behaviour and then seeks to minimise it when concerns are raised," she said.

"This is now the subject of a formal complaint and I will not be commenting further."

More to come.