New Opposition Leader Promises Unity for Canberra Liberals
Mark Parton, a former radio presenter and moderate Liberal, has been unanimously elected as the new leader of the Canberra Liberals, pledging to unite the party amid internal turmoil. He resigned as Legislative Assembly Speaker following his election.
The leadership change occurred after Leanne Castley resigned as opposition leader and Jeremy Hanson stepped down as deputy leader, shortly after Castley suspended two party members.
“I've been placed in this position as a unifier, and unify is what I will do,” said Mr. Parton.
Expressing frustration with party infighting, Parton emphasized the need to focus on broader community concerns rather than internal disputes.
“I'm absolutely sick to death of having conversations about internal party matters, because I can tell you that people out in the suburbs are not having those conversations.”
He outlined his goal to work with Deborah Morris and the nine parliamentary members to lead the party toward the 2028 government challenge.
“It is an absolute honour and a privilege to have been elected by my colleagues to lead the party.”
Parton declined to comment on the circumstances leading to the leadership change, focusing instead on uniting the party moving forward.
“I believe that in the past, my party has been divided. There's no question, as is the case with many political parties, my party's often been divided by a line that separates the left and the right.”
Summary
Mark Parton embraces his role as a unifier, aiming to lead the Canberra Liberals out of division and prepare for the 2028 election.