Mark Parton’s Vision for Unified Canberra Liberals
UPDATE, 3:40 PM: Mark Parton, the newly elected leader of the Canberra Liberals, declared his commitment alongside his deputy, Deborah Morris, to guide a unified party into the 2028 election.
“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 said to the media.
He emphasized teamwork: “I am here, along with Deborah Morris, to get nine parliamentary members on the same train heading forward so that we can take on the government in 2028.”
Addressing Party Division
Parton acknowledged recent divisions within the party but credited former leaders Leanne Castley and Jeremy Hanson for acting as a catalyst for unity by resigning and enabling a new leadership team.
He offered his view on the nature of the split:
“I think in recent months my party’s been divided by a line that separates people who hang on to shit and people who leave shit behind, and it is time to leave shit behind.”
Leadership and Media Presence
Known as the party’s strongest media performer, Mark Parton has long been viewed as leadership material. However, he had previously either lacked the required support or chosen not to pursue the leadership role until now.
Author’s summary: Mark Parton aims to unify the Canberra Liberals by moving past internal conflicts and focusing on a united front for the 2028 election.