Moderate Liberal assumes leadership after party turmoil

Moderate Liberal Assumes Leadership After Party Turmoil

A moderate Liberal has taken control of one of the party’s weakest branches following the unexpected resignation of its two leaders. Mark Parton now leads the Canberra Liberals after Leanne Castley and her deputy Jeremy Hanson stepped down on Monday, aiming to strengthen the party’s chances in the 2028 election.

Ms. Castley had previously replaced then-Liberal leader Elizabeth Lee after their defeat in the 2024 October election. Regarding her resignation, she stated:

“In the spirit of ensuring a genuine fresh start for the new team, we will not be commenting publicly on the circumstances that have led to this decision.”

Challenges Facing Canberra Liberals

The Canberra Liberals have been out of power for over two decades and will have spent approximately 27 years in opposition by the 2028 election. The party continues to struggle in the progressive ACT, lacking federal representation.

New Deputy Leadership

The deputy role is now filled by the more conservative Deborah Morris. Mark Parton emphasized the need for unity within the party:

“It’s vital that we continue to strengthen the cohesion within our party. By encouraging open dialogue, valuing diverse perspectives, and finding common ground, we can reinforce our shared purpose.”

The party has faced criticism for being too conservative for the region’s progressive electorate, which poses ongoing challenges for its political success.

Summary: Mark Parton's leadership of the Canberra Liberals marks a push for unity and renewal amid longstanding struggles and internal party resignations.

Central Western Daily — 2025-11-10