New Opposition Leader Promises Unity for Canberra Liberals
Mark Parton, a former radio presenter and moderate Liberal, has been unanimously elected as the new opposition leader of the Canberra Liberals. He pledged to unify the party after a period of internal conflict.
Mr. Parton stated,
“I've been placed in this position as a unifier, and unify is what I will do.”
He resigned from his role as Legislative Assembly Speaker to take the leadership post following the resignations of Leanne Castley as opposition leader and Jeremy Hanson as deputy leader. These changes came soon after Ms. Castley suspended two party members.
Expressing frustration with internal disputes, Mr. Parton said,
“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.”
He emphasized teamwork and a focus on future elections:
“It is an absolute honour and a privilege to have been elected by my colleagues to lead the party. Along with Deborah Morris, I aim to get nine parliamentary members on the same train heading forward so that we can take on the government in 2028.”
Refusing to comment on the causes of recent leadership turmoil, Mr. Parton highlighted the party’s past divisions, noting,
“My party has often been divided by a line that separates the left and the right.”
Summary
Mark Parton assumes leadership of the Canberra Liberals, committing to heal divisions and unite the party for the 2028 election.