'Leave s--- behind': leader makes impassioned pledge to unify party in turmoil

New Opposition Leader Pledges Unity Amid Party Turmoil

Mark Parton, a former radio presenter and moderate Liberal, has been unanimously elected as the new leader of the Canberra Liberals. He resigned as Legislative Assembly Speaker to take on this role following leadership resignations within the party.

Leadership Changes and Party Challenges

Parton's Call for Unity

Mark Parton emphasized the need to move beyond internal conflicts and unite the party for future electoral success.

"I've been placed in this position as a unifier, and unify is what I will do," Mr Parton said.
"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."

He stressed collaboration with Deborah Morris and the goal to unify all nine parliamentary members to challenge the government in 2028.

"It is an absolute honour and a privilege to have been elected by my colleagues to lead the party."

Focus on Progress, Not Past Disputes

Parton declined to comment on the events that triggered the leadership change, instead concentrating on moving the party forward.

"I believe that in the past, my party has been divided. There's no question, as is the case with many political parties, my party's often been divided by a line that separates the left and the right," he said.

He called for setting aside differences and focusing on the party's future.

Author's summary: Mark Parton commits to uniting the Canberra Liberals, aiming to overcome past divisions and lead a cohesive team toward the 2028 election.

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

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