Castley had the credentials to appeal to many. Then she stepped in the piranha pond

Leanne Castley's Leadership and Background

Leanne Castley was known as a talented country music singer with a voice that combined rawness and sweetness. Her interests, according to her website, included cars, motorbikes, and engines. However, her leadership role in politics did not mirror her musical success.

The Political Shift and Leadership Change

After the Canberra Liberals faced their seventh consecutive election defeat in October last year, Castley was elected leader. The party sought a fresh start, replacing Elizabeth Lee with Castley and her deputy Jeremy Hanson. Castley confidently declared,

“I am leader through to 2028.”

Initially, this change sparked hope for renewal and progress within the party.

Decline and Resignation

Less than three years before 2028, both Castley and Hanson resigned from their leadership roles. The optimism faded, echoing themes common in country music, as expressed in Castley’s own words:

“Too much time living underneath the clouds that only rain on me.”

Leadership Challenges and Disunity

Her tenure was marked by instability. Following the election defeat, early signs of internal conflict were visible. Castley initially supported Elizabeth Lee but then withdrew her backing, a move that did not foster goodwill within the party.

Summary

Leanne Castley's leadership, full of initial promise, ultimately ended in disappointment amid internal party struggles and unmet expectations.

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The Canberra Times The Canberra Times — 2025-11-10