Leanne Castley has been elected Deputy Leader of the Opposition by the Canberra Liberals’ party room following a spill of the position this morning.

Canberra Liberals Leader Elizabeth Lee said the decision by the party room to spill the position and install Ms Castley as Deputy Leader was not one that was taken lightly but will provide the Canberra Liberals with a strong leadership team going into the 2024 election.

“Going into an election year, it is more important than ever to have a leadership team that is in lockstep, and I know Leanne will support me 100 per cent and the direction we are taking to win government in 2024,” Ms Lee said.

“Leanne has been an incredibly hard working and dedicated MLA during her time in the Legislative Assembly, not only as a local member but as a Shadow Minister for Health and Business

“Leanne brings a unique set of skills and experience to the Deputy Leader role and I have no doubt she will be a terrific asset for me and the entire Canberra Liberals team.

“I thank outgoing Deputy Leader Jeremy Hanson for his work over the last couple of years in the position and look forward to working closely with Leanne as the Canberra Liberals put forward a fresh alternate vision for Canberra in the lead up to the election next October,” Ms Lee concluded.

Ms Castley said it is an honour to be elected as Deputy Leader of the Canberra Liberals by the party room.

“I look forward to taking on this new challenge and supporting Elizabeth as we head towards the 2024 election,” Ms Castley said.

“I will hit the ground running and I am excited to work with the entire team in this new role.”

Ms Lee also indicated there will be a reshuffle of Shadow Ministries that will be announced in the coming days