Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan is under intense pressure from within her own party after reports that MPs and factional leaders have lost confidence in her ability to lead Labor to victory at November’s election.
Senior party figures have reportedly been meeting to discuss the government’s future, with speculation mounting that Deputy Premier Ben Carroll could emerge as a consensus replacement. He has advised Allan that he intends to be a candidate for leadership in the event of a spill.
However, Allan has made it clear she has no intention of stepping aside.
According to multiple reports, the Premier has formally advised the Victorian Labor Party she will contest any leadership ballot, setting the stage for an ugly showdown if MPs move to force a spill when caucus next meets.
The leadership crisis comes at a difficult time for the government, with Labor’s decline in polls continuing, ongoing scrutiny over integrity and governance issues, and mounting pressure over cost-of-living concerns ahead of the election.
While Ben Carroll has long been viewed as Allan’s most likely successor, he has previously played down leadership ambitions.
Reports suggest several ministers have urged Allan to consider stepping aside to avoid a damaging internal contest, although supporters continue to argue replacing a premier so close to an election would only deepen the government’s problems.
For now, Allan remains Premier. More to come.