Leadership Challenge Unfolds
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan is facing a direct leadership challenge from her deputy, Ben Carroll, after a factional delegation urged her to step down. The move follows growing concerns within the Labor caucus about the party's ability to win the upcoming November election under Allan's leadership.
Cabinet Meeting Tensions
During what could be Allan's final cabinet meeting, several ministers turned against her. Police Minister Anthony Carbines and frontbenchers from Allan's socialist left faction, including Gabrielle Williams and Ingrid Stitt, argued for a royal commission into corruption allegations on the government's Big Build infrastructure program. Carbines told Allan that a new crime agency plan would lack credibility without a royal commission. Allan reiterated her stance that a national trade union royal commission had already been held and that the government was addressing the issue.
Reasons for the Challenge
The delegation's extraordinary step was driven by multiple factors. Polling shows Labor on track to lose the November election despite an 11-seat buffer from 2022. Allan's personal approval ratings have become a liability, and her close ties to former Premier Daniel Andrews have weighed on her leadership. Policy shifts, such as abandoning plans to raise the age of criminal responsibility and introducing tougher bail laws, have alienated progressive voters without convincing others of a genuine break from the Andrews era.
Internal Fears and Big Build Impact
Colleagues describe Allan as reactive and a poor communicator, though privately she is known for her humor and rapport. Nearly three years into the role, some Labor MPs struggle to articulate her vision. The Big Build corruption allegations, first revealed by Nine newspapers two years ago, have eroded confidence. Allan was transport infrastructure minister at the time. She has apologized for criminal conduct uncovered but rejected calls for a royal commission. Labor MPs say voters repeatedly raise integrity questions, with one backbencher reporting calls every second day about the allegations. "The issue has overshadowed every single achievement we made. We can't talk about the Metro Tunnel, West Gate Tunnel, free public transport, new hospitals and schools," one MP said.
Carroll's Position
Carroll, long touted as a potential challenger, had consistently ruled out challenging Allan, even declaring in June he would not do so. However, with Allan refusing to stand down, Carroll announced his intention to contest, telling colleagues he would establish a royal commission if elected leader. Public details on the inquiry are scarce, and Allan's supporters argue it could be politically disastrous. "It would be five minutes of relief, and then we'd be right back where we are now," one minister said. "Every day of the campaign there would be hearings. Every day there would be media reporting. How on earth would that help us?"
Potential Consequences
Those backing Carroll believe Allan's poor approval ratings, with a June Herald Sun poll showing 40% of Labor voters wanting her replaced, justify the move. However, even a leadership change may not overcome the political reality that after three terms, voters may simply want change.
