Breaking: Former Canberra Liberals leader leaves party citing 'toxic culture'

Former Canberra Liberals leader Leanne Castley leaves party, citing 'toxic culture' Wed 3 Jun 2026 at 7:53am Former Canberra Liberals leader Leanne Castley has resigned from the party and will join the crossbench, sitting as an independent for the rest of the term. In a statement, she said she has "simply had enough of being part of an organisation with such a toxic culture". "In the last 18 months, I have experienced bullying, intimidation, lies, and even a threat of physical assault," she said. "I can no longer be part of an organisation which tolerates this conduct. "This has been a difficult decision but it's the right one for me and for Yerrabi." Ms Castley cited the recent introduction of coercive control legislation as something she was proud of. "That's what the community wants to see from its politicians and that’s what I want to spend my time on," she said. A year as Canberra Liberals leader Just seven months ago Ms Castley stepped down from the Canberra Liberals leadership, with Mark Parton elected the new leader in November 2025. Deputy leader Jeremy Hanson also stepped down from his position, and Deborah Morris was appointed the new deputy leader. Ms Castley and Mr Hanson took over as leader and deputy in October 2024, in the wake of Labor's seventh-straight election victory. But Ms Castley drew criticism over a series of decisions while in leadership which saw Elizabeth Lee and Peter Cain shut out of decision-making before being "suspended indefinitely" from the party room after they crossed the floor during a vote about sitting weeks. Their suspension was later revoked by Mr Parton. Ms Castley was the ACT's second-shortest serving opposition leader. Loading