Moderate Liberal Leads After Party Turmoil
A moderate Liberal has taken control of one of the party's weakest branches following the sudden resignation of its two leaders. Mark Parton assumed leadership of the Canberra Liberals after Leanne Castley and her deputy Jeremy Hanson stepped down on Monday.
Ms. Castley and Mr. Hanson’s resignations mark a turning point, with Parton stating this change offers the best chance for the Liberals to govern in 2028. Ms. Castley had previously replaced then-leader Elizabeth Lee after the party’s defeat in the 2024 election.
"In the spirit of ensuring a genuine fresh start for the new team, we will not be commenting publicly on the circumstances that have led to this decision," Ms. Castley said in a statement.
Challenges for the Canberra Liberals
The Canberra Liberals have been out of power for over two decades and will approach 27 years in opposition by the 2028 election. The party faces criticism for being too conservative for the progressive ACT, which currently has no federal Liberal representatives.
New Deputy Leadership and Party Vision
Deborah Morris, known for her conservative views, takes on the role of deputy leader. Mark Parton emphasized the importance of unity within the party:
"It's vital that we continue to strengthen the cohesion within our party. By encouraging open dialogue, valuing diverse perspectives, and finding common ground, we can reinforce our shared purpose."
Outlook
The leadership reshuffle aims to revitalize the party and restore its competitiveness in the ACT political landscape.
Author’s summary: Mark Parton’s moderate leadership signals a hopeful new direction for the struggling Canberra Liberals as they prepare to challenge long-term opposition ahead of 2028.