At 3:40 PM, new Canberra Liberals Leader Mark Parton announced his and deputy Deborah Morris's dedication to guiding a united party into the 2028 election.
“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,” Parton said.
He emphasized their goal to align all nine parliamentary members to work together toward challenging the current government.
“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.”
Parton acknowledged previous divisions within the party. However, resignations by former leaders Leanne Castley and Jeremy Hanson created an opportunity for unity.
He shared his view that the divisions were not ideological but centered on attitudes toward moving 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,” Parton said.
Recognized as the party’s strongest media presence, Mark Parton has long been seen as a natural leader but either lacked sufficient support or chose not to pursue the role until now.
Author’s summary: Mark Parton takes charge of Canberra Liberals with a focus on party unity and leaving past conflicts behind to better challenge the government in 2028.