New Leadership for Canberra Liberals
Mark Parton, a former radio presenter and moderate Liberal, has been unanimously elected as the new opposition leader for the Canberra Liberals. He also resigned as Legislative Assembly Speaker following his election.
Commitment to Unity
Mr. Parton emphasized his role as a unifying figure for the party, stating:
"I've been placed in this position as a unifier, and unify is what I will do."
He expressed frustration with ongoing internal conflicts:
"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
Following leadership changes prompted by resignations from Leanne Castley as opposition leader and Jeremy Hanson as deputy leader, Parton aims to rally the nine parliamentary members for future success. He said:
"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 declined to comment on the prior tensions causing the leadership change, focusing instead on 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."
Mr. Parton described it as an honor to be chosen by his colleagues to lead the party.
Background Context
- Leanne Castley resigned as opposition leader less than two weeks after suspending two party members.
- Jeremy Hanson stepped down as deputy leader alongside these shifts.
Author's summary: Mark Parton commits to uniting the Canberra Liberals after internal turmoil, aiming to move the party forward and challenge the government in 2028.