Can the Self-Proclaimed Great Unifier Stick the Liberals Back Together?
Mark Parton will need to rely on his ability to avoid ideological battles if he is to reunite the fractured Canberra Liberals. If anyone can bring the newly splintered party back together, Parton is the most likely candidate.
Following the opposition’s 13 unusual days in a political limbo, Parton emerged with his characteristic enthusiasm and warmth, suggesting a carefully negotiated exit. Leanne Castley stepped down after the second-shortest tenure as opposition leader, just under two weeks after suspending two Liberals from the party room. Her deputy, Jeremy Hanson, also left. Neither made any public statement.
A week of silence from the Liberals hinted at behind-the-scenes negotiations. In political crises, silence often signals private discussions. The situation with the Liberals was no exception.
Though no one admitted it openly, it became clear that Castley’s leadership had become unsustainable after the controversial suspension of two backbenchers for participating in a long-standing Liberal tradition: crossing the floor.
On Monday, Parton presented himself as the great unifier and called on his party to move past the conflict.
"I'm here to provide an alternative to the people of Canberra, because God knows they need it. And given the unanimous support in party room for this ticket that stands before you, I'm supremely confident that we can do that."
Parton’s approach may be the best hope for restoring unity within the Canberra Liberals after a period of turmoil.
Mark Parton’s reputation as a unifier and his call for unity offer a realistic chance to heal divisions within the Canberra Liberals after a chaotic leadership crisis.