Former Canberra Liberal Leader Quits Party, Alleges Unsafe Workplace

Former Canberra Liberal Leader Leanne Castley has resigned from the party, citing concerns about workplace culture and safety.

Castley announced her decision in a social media post on June 3, saying she could no longer remain in an environment she described as unsafe.

“This hasn’t been an easy decision. Not everyone will agree with it, but everyone deserves a safe workplace, free from bullying, intimidation, and threats of violence. Unfortunately, I have not had that with the Canberra Liberals,” she said.

Castley said the workplace environment had taken a personal toll on her and affected her ability to serve the community.

“It has stood in the way of doing what you elected me to do, and serving our community to the best of my ability,” she said.

The Member for Yerrabi entered the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Legislative Assembly in October 2022 and most recently served as shadow minister for city services, women, and prevention of family and domestic violence.

Despite leaving the party, Castley said she would continue serving as an independent MLA.

“I will continue to fully represent our local community, stand up for traditional liberal values, and work to build a better Canberra.”

Meanwhile, Canberra Liberal Leader Mark Parton has pushed back against suggestions of a toxic culture within the party following Castley’s resignation.

“Where concerns have been raised, they’ve been treated seriously, but as is the path chosen by Leanne, I’m not going to sit on the radio and comment publicly on individual matters,” he told ABC Radio.

“It’s a political party … there are people involved in this pursuit with very strong opinions who want to put those opinions forward, but I’m not sure that that translates to a toxic culture.”

Leadership Turmoil

Castley stepped down as state opposition leader in November 2025 after serving in the role for a year.

The Canberra Liberals have struggled to gain government in the ACT for more than two decades. Following the party’s defeat at the October 2024 election, then Leader Elizabeth Lee acknowledged Labor’s strong campaign and the Liberals’ inability to make significant gains.

Castley subsequently replaced Lee as leader after the election loss, having successfully challenged her for the position.

However, further instability followed in 2025 when Castley and deputy leader Jeremy Hanson resigned from the leadership team. Their departures paved the way for moderate Parton to take over the party, with the new leader arguing the change would give the Canberra Liberals their best chance of returning to government in 2028.