The Canberra Liberals’ move away from a conservative party president represents a shift in how the party wants to be seen by the public. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
John Cziesla has lost his attempt to keep his job as Canberra Liberals party president, but an empty chair won’t keep acting in his place.
The party committee unanimously rejected his appeal to overturn the membership ballot result from 21 November.
He was initially outed and replaced with an empty chair during last month’s feisty annual general meeting. Mr Cziesla then launched an appeal against the outcome of the presidential ballot.
Vice-president Megan Fox is now acting president until the party can reconvene to fill the vacant position.
Given 14 days’ notice needs to be given for candidates wanting the job, it’s not expected to happen until January.
In politics, December has been referred to as the ‘killing season’, given many people tend to switch off from the news in the lead-up to Christmas.
This can result in political parties making big changes, particularly if the new year also heralds an election period (as will happen in the ACT with an election slated for October 2024).
There have been some shake-ups in the Canberra Liberals recently. Jeremy Hanson was replaced by Leanne Castley as deputy leader, before a shadow cabinet reshuffle left Mr Hanson and Elizabeth Kikkert without portfolios.
Original Article published by Claire Fenwicke on Riotact.
