Mark Parton MLA has been elected Leader of the Canberra Liberals, with Deborah Morris MLA as Deputy Leader.
Canberra Liberals leader Leanne Castley and deputy leader Jeremy Hanson stepped down from their positions earlier today, saying the decision was intended to give the party “the best possible chance of success in the 2028 election”.
A Liberals Party Room meeting was held today. Neither Ms Castley nor Mr Hanson contested the leadership positions.
Mr Parton was elected to the Legislative Assembly in 2016, and Ms Morris last year.
Mr Parton said: “With support from all elected members, I can announce that I have accepted the position.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Leanne Castley and Jeremy Hanson for their work over the last 12 months.
“It’s vital that we continue to strengthen the cohesion within our Party,” he said. “By encouraging open dialogue, valuing diverse perspectives, and finding common ground, we can reinforce our shared purpose. Our priority remains clear: continue building an alternative government that delivers for the ACT.”
Mr Parton resigned his role as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. A new Speaker will be elected in December. Until then, ACT Greens MLA Andrew Braddock will serve as Deputy Speaker.
Ms Castley was elected leader of the Liberals after the October 2024 election, replacing Elizabeth Lee.
Last month, Ms Castley suspended Ms Lee and Peter Cain MLA from the party room, and announced she would seek to remove them permanently, after the two backbenchers crossed the floor to support an ACT Greens motion. Her motion has been ended.
“We extend our full support and best wishes to those who will take on these important roles,” Mr Hanson and Ms Castley said. “In the spirit of ensuring a genuine fresh start for the new team, we will not be commenting publicly on the circumstances that have led to this decision.”
The Labor government acknowledged Ms Castley’s and Mr Hanson’s contribution, and Chief Minister Andrew Barr congratulated the new Liberals leaders.
“It is an honour to lead your party but also a significant responsibility,” Mr Barr said. “In the case of the Canberra Liberals, it also appears to be a significant challenge.
“With three former Leaders sitting in his party room, Mr Parton will have no shortage of advice on how to do the job.
“With this change, Labor will seek to work cooperatively with the new Liberal leadership where we can.
“There are many issues that come before the Assembly that are best responded to through consensus and most are unanimously resolved.
“We will continue our approach of constructive engagement with all political parties, including the Opposition, for the benefit of all Canberrans.”
A spokesperson for Acting Chief Minister Yvette Berry MLA said the leadership change after only a year showed “how entrenched the divisions are within the party”. They added: “While the Liberals are focussing on themselves, we will continue to work on our progressive, long-term vision for our city.”
