Ben Carroll appointed as new Victorian Premier after Jacinta Allan resigns

Ben Carroll has been appointed as Victoria's new premier after Jacinta Allan resigned following months of declining poll numbers and internal party pressure. The leadership spill, confirmed late Tuesday, saw Carroll elected unopposed by the Labor caucus. He begins his first full day in office with a focus on cabinet appointments and resetting the government's agenda. Allan's resignation ends a turbulent tenure marked by controversies over the Commonwealth Games cancellation and cost-of-living pressures. Carroll, the former deputy premier and transport infrastructure minister, now faces the challenge of restoring public confidence in a government trailing in opinion polls. Business groups have urged him to prioritize economic reform and housing policy. The change in leadership comes as Victoria grapples with high debt, strained public services, and a restive electorate. Carroll has signaled continuity on major projects but hinted at a fresh communication style. The Labor Party hopes the transition will stem voter drift ahead of the next state election. Analysts say the new premier must quickly demonstrate he can address the issues that eroded support for Allan, including health system pressures and rising living costs.