New Leader Vows to Unite Canberra Liberals
Mark Parton, former radio presenter and moderate Liberal, has been unanimously elected as the new opposition leader of the Canberra Liberals. He pledged to move the party forward and leave internal conflicts behind.
Leadership Change and Party Turmoil
The leadership change followed the resignation of Leanne Castley as opposition leader and Jeremy Hanson as deputy leader, less than two weeks after Castley suspended two party members.
Parton's Message to the Party and Public
"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."
He emphasized the importance of unity to focus on contesting the government in 2028 and expressed his honor at being chosen by his colleagues.
Focus on Moving Forward
"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."
Parton declined to comment on the events that prompted the leadership change, instead concentrating on uniting the nine parliamentary members to work together.
Author's summary: Mark Parton embraces his new role as Canberra Liberals leader with a unifying pledge, aiming to overcome past divisions and focus on winning the 2028 election.