'Leave s--- behind': leader makes impassioned pledge to unify party in turmoil

New Opposition Leader Commits to Unify Canberra Liberals

Former radio presenter and moderate Liberal Mark Parton has been unanimously elected as the new leader of the Canberra Liberals, following recent resignations from party leadership. He pledged to move the party forward and leave behind internal conflicts.

Leadership Change and Background

Mark Parton resigned as Legislative Assembly Speaker and took over after Leanne Castley stepped down as opposition leader and Jeremy Hanson quit as deputy leader. These changes occurred shortly after Castley suspended two party members.

Parton's Vision for Unity

"I've been placed in this position as a unifier, and unify is what I will do."

Parton emphasized the need to stop focusing on internal disputes, noting that such conflicts are irrelevant to voters.

"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."

He aims to bring the nine parliamentary members together to prepare for the 2028 government challenge.

Focus on Moving Forward

Parton declined to comment on the circumstances that led to the leadership change, instead prioritizing party unity and future goals.

"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."
Collaborative Effort

Alongside Deborah Morris, Parton is committed to aligning the team’s efforts going forward.

Author’s summary: Newly elected leader Mark Parton pledges to end internal divisions and unite the Canberra Liberals to effectively challenge the government in 2028.

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Braidwood Times Braidwood Times — 2025-11-10

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