The Canberra Liberals' shadow cabinet has overturned "one of the most fundamental conventions" of the party and diminished democratic representation by stripping backbenchers of the right to contribute to key decisions, a former leader says.

Elizabeth Lee, who led the party to the 2024 election, said the adoption of new shadow cabinet principles took away opposition backbenchers' right to participate fully in decisions and advocate for their communities.

"By stripping backbenchers of this role, the Canberra Liberals have created a dangerous precedent that diminishes democratic representation, silences local voices, and erodes the integrity of the party room as a deliberative body," Ms Lee said.

Opposition Leader Leanne Castley's shadow cabinet on Monday endorsed a set of written princip

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