The Canberra Liberals have elected Leanne Castley as their new deputy leader, replacing Jeremy Hanson after a party room spill on Wednesday. Castley, the opposition health spokeswoman and member for Yerrabi, was chosen by her colleagues to serve alongside Opposition Leader Elizabeth Lee.
Castley expressed enthusiasm about working with the team to win government in 2024, stating, 'We are looking forward to telling the electorate what a Liberal government looks like because we're ready and Canberra's ready for a change.' She did not disclose whether she sought the role or was approached by Lee.
Lee emphasized the importance of a unified leadership team, saying the party would present its best vision. The spill follows reported tensions between Lee and Hanson, with former leader Gary Humphries noting that Hanson backed a different candidate ticket at a party council meeting, creating division.
Hanson, a conservative who served as party leader from 2013 to 2016 and deputy since 2022, expressed disappointment but confirmed he would remain in the Legislative Assembly. Humphries suggested the change reflects a rejection of conservatism in a city that leans progressive, adding that the party urgently needs a new direction.
Chief Minister Andrew Barr criticized the leadership shake-up, calling the party 'all conservatives' despite their moderate posturing. The next ACT election is scheduled for 2024.
