Mark Parton's Plan to Unite Canberra Liberals
New Canberra Liberals Leader Mark Parton, along with his deputy Deborah Morris, has pledged to lead a unified party into the 2028 election.
Commitment to Unity
Parton expressed frustration with internal party conflicts, emphasizing that ordinary people in the suburbs are not concerned with these issues.
“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 and Morris aim to bring all nine parliamentary members together to focus on challenging the government in 2028.
Addressing Party Divisions
Parton acknowledged past divisions within the party, noting that former leaders Leanne Castley and Jeremy Hanson helped break the deadlock by stepping down, allowing a unity ticket to form.
He views the recent split not as ideological but as a divide between those who hold onto past conflicts and those ready to move forward.
“I think in recent months my party’s been divided by a line that separates people who hang on to shit and people who leave shit behind, and it is time to leave shit behind.”
Leadership Credentials
Parton, recognized as the party’s strongest media performer, has long been seen as leadership material but has previously lacked the numbers or hesitated to take the role.
Author’s summary: Mark Parton commits to uniting the Canberra Liberals, urging the party to overcome past divisions and focus on winning the 2028 election.