Mark Parton Vows to Unite the Canberra Liberals
Former radio host and moderate Liberal Mark Parton has been unanimously chosen as the new leader of the Canberra Liberals, following a period of internal turmoil. He officially stepped down as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly to assume leadership of the opposition.
"I've been placed in this position as a unifier, and unify is what I will do,"
Parton’s rise comes after Leanne Castley resigned as opposition leader and Jeremy Hanson as deputy leader, only weeks after Castley suspended two members from the party room. His message was clear — to end internal disputes and rebuild trust.
"It is time for the Canberra Liberals to leave the past behind," he said. "People in the suburbs are not talking about our internal issues, and neither should we."
Parton emphasized collaboration with deputy leader Deborah Morris, aiming to ensure all nine parliamentary members work together toward success in the next 2028 election.
"It is an honour and privilege to have been elected by my colleagues to lead the party," he added. "In the past, our party has been divided, like many others, by lines between left and right — but that ends now."
Author’s Summary
Mark Parton pledges to unify the Canberra Liberals after internal strife, promising to focus on teamwork, stability, and preparation for the 2028 election.