Kavanaugh accuser says she will testify

The woman accusing US Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault says she could testify against him after all, breathing new life into the prospect of a dramatic Senate showdown next week.

Christine Blasey Ford who claims Mr Kavanaugh assaulted her when they were in high school wants to give evidence next Thursday, and does not want him in the same room, her lawyer told Judiciary Committee staff. She is willing to tell her story to the committee - whose senators will vote on Mr Kavanaugh’s confirmation - but only if agreement can be reached on “terms that are fair and which ensure her safety”, the lawyer said.

She said Ms Ford needs time to secure her family, prepare her evidence and travel to Washington.

The discussion revived the possibility that the panel would hold an electrifying campaign-season hearing at which Ms Ford and President Donald Trump’s Supreme Court nominee could give their versions of what happened at a party in the 1980s.