Mark Parton Takes Helm to Unite Canberra Liberals
Former radio host and moderate Liberal Mark Parton has been unanimously chosen as the new leader of the Canberra Liberals, following the resignations of Leanne Castley and Jeremy Hanson. Parton also stepped down as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly to take up the leadership post.
"I've been placed in this position as a unifier, and unify is what I will do," said Mr Parton.
He called on the party to move past internal disputes, declaring that it was time “to leave things behind” and refocus on representing the people of Canberra instead of engaging in internal debates.
"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," Mr Parton said.
Parton emphasized teamwork and commitment ahead of the 2028 election, noting that he and deputy leader Deborah Morris intend to unify all nine parliamentary members to work toward defeating the government at the next election.
"It is an absolute honour and a privilege to have been elected by my colleagues to lead the party," he said.
He declined to comment on the events leading up to the leadership change, stating that his focus is on cooperation and progress rather than past divisions between the party’s left and right factions.
"I believe that in the past, my party has been divided... my party’s often been divided by a line that separates the left and the right," he said.
Author’s Summary
Mark Parton vows to reunite a fractured Canberra Liberal Party, emphasizing collaboration, renewal, and a forward-focused strategy ahead of the 2028 election.