A former commercial radio host has been elected the new leader of the Liberal Opposition after a landmark day in territorial politics.
Mark Partton was promoted to the role at Monday’s party meeting after former leader Leanne Castley and Deputy Jeremy Hanson abruptly quit their posts.
The unrest follows weeks of turmoil for the ACT Factition in the wake of Castley sensali suspended Two colleagues – including former leader Elizabeth Lee – from the liberal Party Comeathing crossed the floor to support a Green motion to sit in the 2026 calendar.
The decision IS reported This sparked outrage among Gravroots members, given the Liberal Party has a long tradition of allowing backbenchers to cross the floor without fear of expulsion.
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Speaking to reporters on Monday, Varia – who resigned as speaker of the legal actor in the legal scheme of the movement that will lead to the leadership – called the end of the infighting.
“I’m sick to death of having conversations about internal party issues, because I can tell you that people in the suburbs are not having those conversations,” Varia said.
“I think in recent months a line has been drawn that separates people who hang shit and people who leave shit behind.
“That’s why I’m here. I’m here to give a replacement to the people of Canberra, because God knows they need it.”
Varion said a motion was passed unanimously at Monday’s meeting to welcome Lee and fellow backbencher Peter Cain to the room. He expects the pair to play an “even bigger role” under his leadership.
In a statement announcing his decision to step down, Castley did not explain the reasons for the unusual move.
Casley replaced Lee as leader following November’s loss in November’s Election Movement – the Labor Party’s seventh consecutive defeat.
“To give the Liberals in Canberra the best possible chance of success in the 2028 election, we have made the decision to step down from the leadership,” Castley said in the statement.
“In the spirit of ensuring a truly fresh start for the new team, we will not comment publicly on the circumstances that led to this decision.”
VARSON is a colorful character in the politics of the territory, who entered the actor legal legislative assembly in 2016 after a long career in commercial radio.
He built a brand and a strong social media presence after posting videos of daily life as a local politician in Canberra.
The videos get him in trouble sometimes. In 2021, the former Spird Transport Stiresperson Received a formal warning from the police after going viral on Tiktok while driving.
Varion also grabbed the headlines afterwards “Can’t Understand” Breaching Western Australia’s strict border restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic.
First-term MLA Deborah Morris will serve as Parton’s representative.
Morris was a media adviser to former leader Alistair Coe and spent time working for Federal Liberal Frontbencher James Paterson.
The chief minister, Andrew Barr, recognized the contract and Hanson and Hanson as part of his new role.
“It is an honor to lead your party but also an important responsibility,” he said.
“In the case of the Liberals in Canberra, it also seems to be a significant challenge. With three former leaders sitting in his party room, Mr Varia has no reason to do the job.”