Mark Parton, former radio presenter and moderate Liberal, has been unanimously elected as the new leader of the Canberra Liberals. He pledged to unify the party after a period of internal turmoil.
Mr. Parton resigned as Legislative Assembly Speaker following Leanne Castley's resignation as opposition leader and Jeremy Hanson’s departure as deputy leader. These changes came shortly after Castley suspended two party members.
"I've been placed in this position as a unifier, and unify is what I will do."
"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 emphasized the need to unite the parliamentary members and focus on contesting the government in 2028.
"It is an absolute honour and a privilege to have been elected by my colleagues to lead the party."
He declined to comment on the events leading up to the leadership change, stating instead a desire to look ahead.
"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."
Mark Parton aims to heal divisions within the Canberra Liberals and direct their efforts toward future electoral success.