Mark Parton's Plan to Lead Canberra Liberals to Unity and Government
UPDATE, 3:40 PM: Mark Parton, the new leader of the Canberra Liberals, along with his deputy Deborah Morris, committed to leading a united 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 told journalists.
He emphasized the goal to unite the nine parliamentary members to challenge the government in 2028.
“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.”
Parton acknowledged past divisions within the party but credited former leaders Leanne Castley and Jeremy Hanson for stepping down, enabling a path to unity.
He suggested the divisions were not ideological but about letting go of past conflicts.
“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,”
he said.
Known as the party’s strongest media performer, Parton has long been seen as a potential leader but either lacked support or chose not to pursue the role until now.
Author’s Summary
Mark Parton aims to unite the Canberra Liberals by moving beyond internal conflicts, focusing on a strong, cohesive campaign to win the 2028 election.