In a dramatic political development, Leanne Castley has resigned as leader of the Canberra Liberals, ending her 375-day tenure as ACT Opposition Leader in controversial circumstances.
Controversial suspension sparks leadership crisis
The resignation comes just 13 days after Castley made the controversial decision to suspend two Liberal colleagues from the party room for crossing the floor during a Legislative Assembly vote. On October 28, Castley sensationally announced she had suspended her predecessor Elizabeth Lee and Peter Cain after they supported a Greens' motion that would have added an extra sitting week in 2026.
Castley maintained almost complete silence on her reasoning for the suspension throughout the nearly two-week period, repeatedly describing it as an internal party matter and refusing to provide public explanation.
Joint resignation for party's 'fresh start'
Castley and her deputy Jeremy Hanson announced their joint resignation in a statement released on Monday morning, stating they were stepping down to give the party the best possible chance of success in the 2028 election.
"A vote will be held to elect a new leadership team, and neither of us will be contesting any leadership positions. We extend our full support and best wishes to those who will take on these important roles," the pair stated.
They added that "in the spirit of ensuring a genuine fresh start for the new team, we will not be commenting publicly on the circumstances that have led to this decision."
Historical significance and party backlash
With her 375-day leadership, Castley becomes the ACT's second-shortest serving opposition leader in history, surpassed only by Craig Duby's remarkably brief 6.5-hour tenure.
The decision to suspend Lee and Cain sparked significant backlash within Canberra Liberals ranks, particularly because the party has traditionally upheld the convention that backbenchers have the right to cross the floor without facing removal from the party room.
In a letter seen by The Canberra Times, Elizabeth Lee reminded Castley of this long-standing convention, noting that Castley herself had acknowledged this right during a September interview on ABC's Stateline program.
When asked during that interview about her attitude toward Liberals crossing the floor, Castley had responded: "As backbenchers, they have that opportunity, of course."
The party room is expected to hold a vote to elect new leadership on Monday, marking a significant turning point for the Canberra Liberals as they regroup following this internal turmoil.
