New Opposition Leader Pledges Party Unity
Mark Parton, a former radio presenter and moderate Liberal, has been unanimously elected as the new leader of the Canberra Liberals. He resigned as Legislative Assembly Speaker to take on the role.
Commitment to Overcome Internal Divisions
Mr. Parton emphasized the need for the party to move past internal conflicts. He stated,
“I've been placed in this position as a unifier, and unify is what I will do.”
He expressed frustration with ongoing internal debates, saying,
“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.”
Focus on Future Elections
With Deborah Morris, Mr. Parton aims to unify the nine parliamentary members to face the government in 2028.
“I am here, along with Deborah Morris, to get nine parliamentary members on the same train heading forward so that we can take on the government in 2028.”
He described his election as an honor and privilege:
“It is an absolute honour and a privilege to have been elected by my colleagues to lead the party.”
Leadership Changes Background
This leadership change follows the resignation of former opposition leader Leanne Castley and deputy leader Jeremy Hanson, occurring less than two weeks after Castley suspended two party members. Mr. Parton declined to comment on the circumstances surrounding these events, instead focusing on unity and forward progress:
“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.”
Summary
Mark Parton commits to restoring unity in the Canberra Liberals, aiming to move beyond past divisions and lead the party towards the 2028 election.