Elizabeth Lee has been named as the new leader of the Canberra Liberals, after a party meeting this morning, Tuesday 27 October, where Alistair Coe did not contest the leadership.
Giulia Jones has been named as the party’s Deputy Leader, replacing Nicole Lawder.
It’s been two decades since the party has had a female leader, and Ms Lee said she was proud to play her role as a female leader and the first female leader with an Asian background.
“It gives me great pleasure that we are standing here, my deputy Giulia Jones and I, in a historic moment for the Canberra Liberals as a female leadership team,” she said.
The party has dubbed the change a “fresh new beginning” for the Canberra Liberals, after the 2020 ACT election which saw an overall swing of 2.9% against them.
Ms Lee said there is a lot to reflect on after the election, with the party commissioning a full review into the results.
“There is no doubt that Canberra spoke very loudly at this election… We must listen and there are certainly things that must change.
“There’s no doubt that review will give us a huge insight into what we need to look at, what we need to keep, and what we need to work on.”
Ms Lee thanked Alistair Coe and Nicole Lawder for their leadership in the last term and said Mr Coe would remain an “integral part” of the party’s team.
“He has enormous talents, and I have no doubts that he will play a significant role in this Canberra Liberals team moving forward.”
While former Canberra Liberals leader Jeremy Hanson reportedly put his hand up for the position of leader, Ms Lee said she did not expect any division within the party room.
“Jeremy and I work very well together and I have been told by Jeremy that I have his full support.”
Ms Lee said discussions would take place within the party before shadow ministerial positions were announced.
Elizabeth Lee retained her seat in the electorate of Kurrajong, while Giulia Jones was re-elected in Murrumbidgee.
