An assistant to South Thanet MP Craig Mackinlay has denied raping a woman in the Palace of Westminster.

Sam Armstrong, 23, from Danbury in Essex, is accused of two counts of rape and two other sex assault charges.

He has been ordered to appear for a trial at Southwark Crown Court on December 11.

He was bailed on the condition he does not enter the Palace of Westminster or contact the alleged victim.

Armstrong has been suspended as chief of staff to Craig Mackinlay.