Mark Parton Takes Leadership to Reunite Canberra Liberals
Former radio host and moderate Liberal Mark Parton has been unanimously elected as the new leader of the Canberra Liberals, following the resignations of Leanne Castley and Jeremy Hanson. He also stepped down from his role as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly to assume this position.
"I've been placed in this position as a unifier, and unify is what I will do."
Parton urged party members to move forward together, saying it was time for the Canberra Liberals to leave internal conflicts behind. He emphasized that the public was uninterested in internal disputes and wanted the party to focus on addressing real issues.
"I'm absolutely sick to death of having conversations about internal party matters, because people out in the suburbs are not having those conversations."
Alongside deputy leader Deborah Morris, Parton said his goal was to unite all nine parliamentary members to prepare for the next election in 2028. He refrained from commenting on the internal issues that triggered the leadership upheaval, choosing instead to concentrate on rebuilding trust and coherence within the party.
"It is an absolute honour and a privilege to have been elected by my colleagues to lead the party."
Parton acknowledged the party’s past divisions but expressed determination to bridge the gap between its left and right factions and present a unified front against the government.
"I believe that in the past, my party has been divided, often by a line that separates the left and the right."
Author’s Summary
Mark Parton pledges to end internal rifts and guide the Canberra Liberals toward unity and renewed focus ahead of the 2028 election.