Chaos erupts in Labor Party meeting as new leader elected

The Victorian Labor Party caucus room was the scene of considerable turmoil on Tuesday as MPs gathered to elect a new leader following Premier Jacinta Allan's resignation. The process was marked by disarray, with multiple votes, shouting matches, and accusations of a "shambles" from within the party ranks. Journalists outside the room could reportedly hear the commotion.

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They couldn't figure out how many people had voted for it.

After nearly two hours, approximately 70 Labor MPs emerged with Ben Carroll elected as their new leader. The leadership contest required three separate votes, including two by a show of hands, as the caucus struggled to accurately tally the numbers. One MP described the situation as chaotic, noting the difficulty in determining the vote count, which led to the yelling.

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The process was a shambles.

The leadership challenge also exposed significant fractures within the dominant Socialist Left (SL) faction. Many within the SL were reportedly unaware of Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny's intention to contest the leadership, a move that set up a potential protracted battle. The faction, which has historically held considerable power within the Labor Party, is described as being "in tatters" and "utterly imploding" following this internal conflict.

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This has destroyed the Socialist Left.

Gabrielle Williams was initially elected as interim premier and deputy leader. However, the caucus shifted course again, leading to Williams securing the deputy leadership. The contest highlighted a splintering within the Left faction, even as the Right faction voted cohesively. The outcome leaves the party grappling with internal divisions as it seeks to regain public confidence.

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SL is utterly imploding.