Libs Leader Resigns Two Weeks After Expelling Backbenchers
Internal tensions within the ACT opposition have culminated in the sudden resignation of Leanne Castley as party leader, just under two weeks after she suspended two Liberal MLAs for crossing the floor.
Discontent had simmered for 13 days since Castley removed her predecessor Elizabeth Lee and colleague Peter Cain from the party room. On Monday morning, Castley and her deputy Jeremy Hanson jointly announced their decision to step down.
"A vote will be held to elect a new leadership team, and neither of us will be contesting any leadership positions. We extend our full support and best wishes to those who will take on these important roles."
The duo also emphasized that they would refrain from public comment on the circumstances of their resignation, expressing a desire for a genuine new start for the party’s future leadership.
After 375 days in office, Castley became the ACT’s second-shortest-serving opposition leader, surpassed only by Craig Duby, who held the position for just 6.5 hours. A party room vote to elect a new leadership team was scheduled for later Monday.
Background
On October 28, Castley stunned the Canberra Liberals by announcing, moments before question time, that she had suspended Lee and Cain from the party room — a move widely seen as triggering the internal turmoil that followed.
Author’s Summary
Leanne Castley’s abrupt resignation as ACT opposition leader followed an intense party conflict sparked by her decision to expel two fellow MLAs.