New Leader Vows to Unite Canberra Liberals Amid Party Turmoil
Mark Parton, former radio presenter and moderate Liberal, has been unanimously elected as the new opposition leader of the Canberra Liberals, bringing a pledge to unify the party after recent upheaval. He resigned as Legislative Assembly Speaker to take on the role.
Leadership Changes Sparked by Internal Conflict
This leadership shift comes shortly after Leanne Castley resigned as opposition leader and Jeremy Hanson stepped down as deputy leader, following Castley's suspension of two party members.
"I've been placed in this position as a unifier, and unify is what I will do," said Mr. Parton.
He expressed frustration over the ongoing internal disputes, stating:
"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."
Focus on Moving Forward
Parton emphasized his commitment to rallying all nine parliamentary members to work together in preparation for the 2028 government challenge.
"I am here, along with Deborah Morris, to get nine parliamentary members on the same train heading forward so that we can take on the government in 2028."
He honored the responsibility given by his colleagues, saying:
"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 causes of the recent leadership change, choosing instead to focus on party unity and progress.
"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 steps in as a unifying leader for the Canberra Liberals, determined to put internal disputes behind and lead the party forward toward strengthened unity and electoral success.
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