The Canberra Liberals elected Alistair Coe as their new leader replacing Jeremy Hanson who had held the helm since 3013. Nicole Lawder was voted as his deputy.
There were speculations that Jeremy Hanson still had the numbers if he decides to make himself available for the position. Hanson did not vie for the leadership post paying the way for the unopposed election of Alistair Coe as the new leader
The Liberals continues to be the opposition party for two decades and steering the party to its traditional role will be a huge challenge for the Alistair, who is only 32 years old. After the party's recent debacle at the ACT elections, the new opposition leader must find alternative to the party's crusade against light rail, which caused swing votes against the party.
Mr. Coe is perceived as a conservative which will set the theme for the new leadership of the Liberal Party. This does not pose any problem since the Liberals, led by the conservative leader Zed Seselja, fared well in the 2012 elections.
The new leader described his predecessor as an "honorable leader" who strived hard for the party especially in the campaign for the last elections. Coe said that the focus of his new leadership will be to make the party accessible to all members.
Ms. Lawder welcomes the opportunity to work together with Coe as the new deputy of the Liberal Party. She said that he did not expect the honor given her but was humbled by the trust and confidence conferred on her by her party mates.
Jeremy Hanson did not address the media but posted on Facebook that it was a privilege for him to have served as Liberal Party leader. He thanked the members of the party for their support and expressed his desire to settle down and work as the representative of Murrumbridge for the next four years.
