New Opposition Leader Pledges Unity for Canberra Liberals
Mark Parton, a former radio presenter and moderate Liberal, has become the new opposition leader of the Canberra Liberals, vowing to unify the party amid internal turmoil.
Mr Parton declared it was time for the Canberra Liberals "to leave shit behind" and highlighted his role as a unifying force. He said,
“I've been placed in this position as a unifier, and unify is what I will do.”
Leadership Changes Following Resignations
Mr Parton was unanimously elected as the party leader and resigned as Legislative Assembly Speaker. This leadership shift came after Leanne Castley stepped down as opposition leader and Jeremy Hanson resigned as deputy leader, shortly after Castley suspended two party members.
Focus on Moving Forward
Expressing frustration with internal disputes, Mr Parton stated,
“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 aims to unite nine parliamentary members to collectively challenge the government in 2028, working alongside Deborah Morris.
Mr Parton added,
“It is an absolute honour and a privilege to have been elected by my colleagues to lead the party.”
He declined to comment on the issues that caused the leadership change, focusing instead on party unity and future goals. He acknowledged past divisions within the party, often split between left and right ideologies.
“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.”
Author's Summary
Mark Parton takes the helm of Canberra Liberals, promising to overcome internal divisions and unify the party ahead of the 2028 election challenge.