Castley had the credentials to appeal to many. Then she stepped in the piranha pond

Leanne Castley's Leadership and Background

Leanne Castley, once a promising country music singer known for her raw yet sweet voice, transitioned into politics with ambitions to lead the Canberra Liberals. Her interests include cars, motorbikes, and engines, as noted on her website.

Rise to Leadership

Following the Canberra Liberals' seventh consecutive election loss in October last year, Castley was elected leader, signaling a desire for fresh leadership. She replaced Elizabeth Lee, with Jeremy Hanson joining as her deputy.

"I am leader through to 2028," she vowed at the beginning of her term.

Her leadership initially inspired hope, echoing optimistic lyrics from her music: "What a perfect day-ay-ay, You can't take that away-ay-ay."

Challenges and Resignation

Less than three years before 2028, both Castley and Hanson resigned from their leadership roles amid internal strife. The hopeful outlook faded, reflected in Castley's own song lyric:

"Too much time living underneath the clouds that only rain on me."

Her tenure was marked by missed opportunities and early signs of discord, including wavering support for her predecessor Elizabeth Lee, which created tensions within the party.

Summary

Leanne Castley's leadership, marked by initial promise and enthusiasm, ultimately struggled under party conflicts and unfulfilled expectations, leading to her early exit.

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The Canberra Times The Canberra Times — 2025-11-10