Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan is facing a leadership spill after her deputy, Ben Carroll, formally nominated himself to replace her. The move plunges the state government into uncertainty, with a party room meeting expected to decide the matter. Allan has said she will not resign, setting the stage for a tense internal ballot.
Carroll, who has served as deputy premier since Allan took office in 2023, said he had the support of enough MPs to force a vote. He argued the government needed a fresh direction to connect with voters ahead of the next election. The challenge comes as Labor trails in opinion polls, with cost-of-living pressures and housing affordability dominating public concern.
The party's rules require a majority of the parliamentary caucus to back a spill motion for a leadership ballot to proceed. If the motion succeeds, Carroll and Allan would both contest the leadership. The outcome could reshape the government's agenda and potentially trigger a cabinet reshuffle.
Allan, who succeeded Daniel Andrews in September 2023, has faced internal criticism over her handling of key issues including health system pressures and housing targets. Supporters say she has stabilised the government after Andrews' long tenure, but detractors argue she lacks his political authority.
The leadership fight adds to a period of instability for Victorian Labor, which has governed since 2014. A change in premier would not trigger an election, but it could test the party's unity. Both sides have been lobbying colleagues ahead of the expected vote.
For the public, the dispute raises questions about policy continuity. Major projects such as the Suburban Rail Loop and the state's renewable energy targets may see shifts if a new leader takes charge. The outcome is likely within days.