Australia’s Most Unsuccessful Party Loses Another Leader
The Canberra Liberals, who have remained in opposition for twenty-four years, have lost another leader. Leanne Castley announced she is stepping down after a turbulent year leading the party.
Last year, the Labor Party secured its seventh consecutive victory in the ACT Assembly. The Liberals have not held power since former Chief Minister and Senator Gary Humphries was defeated by Jon Stanhope in the 2001 territorial polls.
Leadership Change Announced
On Monday, Canberra Liberals leader Leanne Castley and her deputy Jeremy Hanson declared they would step down to allow a new leadership team to take charge. Mark Parton, a former radio announcer and current ACT Speaker, is expected to become the next leader.
“To give the Canberra Liberals the best possible chance of success in the 2028 election, we have made the decision to step down from leadership,” the pair said in a joint statement.
They added that a vote will soon be held to elect new leaders, and neither will be contesting leadership positions. They expressed full support and best wishes to those stepping into these roles.
Summary
This long-standing period in opposition has led the Canberra Liberals to seek fresh leadership ahead of the 2028 election in hopes of improving their political standing.