Mark Parton Calls for Unity as New Canberra Liberals Leader
Newly elected Canberra Liberals Leader Mark Parton and his deputy, Deborah Morris, have pledged to lead a unified party into the 2028 election. Speaking to journalists after their election, Parton emphasized the need to end internal conflicts and focus on voters’ real concerns.
“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 said.
Parton stated that his main priority was to unite the party’s nine parliamentary members and prepare to challenge the government effectively in the next election.
“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.”
Former Leaders Step Aside for Unity
He acknowledged that the Canberra Liberals had been divided but credited former leaders Leanne Castley and Jeremy Hanson for stepping down and creating a path toward unity within the party.
Parton’s Vision for a Unified Future
Discussing the internal divisions, Parton rejected the idea of ideological splits, instead pointing to personal approaches to politics as the source of tension.
“I think in recent months my party’s been divided by a line that separates people who hang on to things and people who leave things behind, and it is time to leave the past behind,” he said.
Known as one of the party’s strongest media performers, Parton has long been considered a natural fit for leadership but had previously held back from seeking the position.
Author’s Summary
Mark Parton urged Canberra Liberals to move beyond past divisions and focus on unity, signaling a determined push to rebuild the party before the 2028 election.