Moderate Liberal Leads After Party Turmoil
A moderate Liberal has taken charge of one of the party's weakest branches following the abrupt resignations of its two leaders. Mark Parton assumed leadership of the Canberra Liberals after Leanne Castley and her deputy Jeremy Hanson stepped down on Monday.
Leadership Change and Future Strategy
Ms. Castley, who replaced former Liberal leader Elizabeth Lee after the October 2024 election defeat, stated:
“In the spirit of ensuring a genuine fresh start for the new team, we will not be commenting publicly on the circumstances that have led to this decision.”
She and her deputy resigned to give the Liberals the best chance at governing in 2028.
Historical Context and Party Challenges
The Canberra Liberals have been out of power for more than 27 years and have struggled to gain traction in the progressive ACT, where they currently hold no federal seats.
New Deputy Leadership
The more conservative Deborah Morris has taken on the role of deputy leader.
Emphasis on Party Unity
Mark Parton highlighted the importance of strengthening party cohesion, saying:
“It's vital that we continue to strengthen the cohesion within our party. By encouraging open dialogue, valuing diverse perspectives, and finding common ground, we can reinforce our shared purpose.”
Ongoing Challenges
The Canberra Liberals face criticism that their members are too conservative for the ACT’s progressive electorate, complicating efforts to regain influence.
Would you like the tone to be more formal or conversational?