Castley had the credentials to appeal to many. Then she stepped in the piranha pond

Leanne Castley's Brief Leadership and Country Music Background

Leanne Castley, once a promising country music singer with a raw yet sweet voice, also shared interests in cars, motorbikes, and engines according to her website. Her leadership tenure, however, ended in disappointment.

Rise to Leadership

Following Canberra Liberals’ seventh consecutive election loss in October the previous year, Castley was elected leader, replacing Elizabeth Lee alongside her deputy Jeremy Hanson. The party sought renewal with this leadership change.

"I am leader through to 2028," she confidently stated.

Initial optimism was high, reminiscent of her song lyric:

"What a perfect day-ay-ay, You can't take that away-ay-ay."

Early Signs of Trouble and Resignation

Less than three years before her stated term's end, both Castley and Hanson stepped down from leadership. The hopeful atmosphere faded, echoed by another of her lyrics:

"Too much time living underneath the clouds that only rain on me."

Her time in leadership was marked by wavering loyalty, first supporting then withdrawing support from predecessor Elizabeth Lee, contributing to internal strife.

Summary

Leanne Castley transitioned from respected country singer to political leader but faced challenges that led to a premature end to her leadership amid party turmoil.

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The Canberra Times The Canberra Times — 2025-11-10