Pauline Hanson a 'dictator', says Brian Burston

Former One Nation senator Brian Burston has launched a stinging attack on party leader Pauline Hanson, calling her a dictator.

Senator Burston, who quit the party and has joined Clive Palmer's United Australia Party, used parliamentary privilege to lash out at Ms Hanson and her chief of staff James Ashby.

He accused Mr Ashby and others of bullying and "stalking", and sending "vile" text messages.

He also alleged party funds were stashed away, saying One Nation is the "most undemocratic organisation" in Australian history, likening Ms Hanson to China's President Xi.

"Senator Hanson has declared herself president for life," he said.

"Just like the President of China."

He said Ms Hanson is controlled by Mr Ashby and it was the only party that "followed the dictatorship model".

State branches were controlled by head office, he said, and Ms Hanson had the right to appoint the national executive and a successor.

"What you see is what you get. Forever," he said.

Brian Burston resigned the party after, he said, the party walked away from a handshake deal with the government to back company tax cuts.

Ms Hanson sat nearby, interjecting during her former colleague's attack to reject the allegations.