Mark Parton’s Vision for a Unified Canberra Liberals
At a media conference following his election as leader of the Canberra Liberals, Mark Parton declared his goal to steer the party with his deputy, Deborah Morris, toward the 2028 election as a unified force.
“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 told journalists.
Parton emphasized that both he and Morris are determined to align the nine parliamentary members and move forward together to challenge the current government in 2028.
He acknowledged the party’s recent internal divisions but praised the resignations of former leaders Leanne Castley and Jeremy Hanson for opening a path to unity.
“I think in recent months my party’s been divided by a line that separates people who hang on to things and people who leave them behind, and it is time to leave it behind,” he said.
Known as one of the party’s most effective media voices, Parton has long been seen as leadership material, though previously he either lacked political support or chose not to pursue the role.
Summary
Mark Parton pledges to unify Canberra Liberals, leaving internal disputes behind and gearing the party toward contesting government in 2028 with renewed focus.