Victorian Labor leader Jacinta Allan faces challenge from deputy Ben Carroll amid election pressure

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan is set to face a leadership challenge from her deputy, Ben Carroll, as the Labor party grapples with declining support ahead of the November 28 election. A cross-factional delegation of ministers and MPs informed Allan she had lost the support of the caucus, prompting Carroll to declare his intention to run for leadership.

Allan, however, has vowed to contest any leadership ballot, writing to Victorian Labor secretary Steve Staikos to formally notify her intention to be a candidate if an election is required. The premier has been under intense pressure due to alleged corruption in the government's transport infrastructure projects. While she has refused to call a royal commission, a growing number of MPs believe an inquiry is necessary to quell public backlash.

“

It is clear that the premier has lost the majority of our caucus. As such, I have since visited the premier to inform her that I will be nominating for the leadership of the Labor Party. This decision is not easy, but the stakes at the upcoming election are simply too high.

Labor sources suggest that changing leaders could also signal a shift in focus for the party, which has become increasingly pessimistic about its chances in the upcoming election. MPs have been lobbying Carroll to initiate a challenge, with some also considering Major Events Minister Steve Dimopoulos as a potential leader. If Allan does not step aside, a spill motion is expected at the caucus meeting, which could lead to a party-wide ballot if passed convincingly.

Carroll stated that the premier has lost the majority of the caucus, making his decision to nominate for leadership difficult but necessary due to the high stakes of the election. This situation mirrors leadership changes in both Victoria's Labor and Liberal parties since the 2022 state election.

“

I've got a young daughter at home, and I couldn't be more proud to make sure she grows up knowing that I supported Jacinta Allan to be a world-class premier and get re-elected in her own right.