Embattled Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce has made a statement, denying claims he groped a woman in a Canberra pub in 2011.

Mr Joyce is already facing calls to resign following claims two high-paying positions were allegedly created for his girlfriend Vikki Campion in the offices of Nationals colleagues.

But the Deputy PM denies allegations he has done anything wrong.

“I am very aware of the Ministerial Code of Conduct.

“It is without a shadow of a doubt that Vikki Campion is my partner now. But when she worked in my office, she was not my partner.

“When she worked in Matt Canavan’s office, she was not my partner. And Damian Drum was not a minister.

“I think this is vitally important in how we differentiate between the public and the private.”

Fresh allegations have now emerged that Mr Joyce acted inappropriately following an awards night in 2011.

The Nationals leader categorically denies the claims.

“The story is not a case that I didn’t recollect it, it did not happen.”

Click PLAY below to hear the Deputy Prime Minister’s statement in full

Full statement from Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce