Jacinta Allan has resigned as Victorian premier and leader of the state parliamentary Labor Party, ending a leadership confrontation shortly before a scheduled caucus meeting.
Allan said she made the decision after speaking with colleagues overnight. Her resignation followed Deputy Premier Ben Carroll’s announcement that he would nominate for the leadership after being told the premier no longer held majority support in caucus.
The timing places Victorian Labor under immediate pressure. The state election is only months away, and a new premier must present a clear program while also convincing voters that the leadership change represents more than an internal party reset.
Allan said Carroll would have her support if he became the next Labor leader. The change also opens a wider debate about Labor’s record, the opposition’s growing confidence and whether a late leadership switch can improve the government’s position.
What happens next?
The incoming leadership team must be formally installed and then set out its priorities. Voters will be watching for changes on cost of living, health, education, transport and government integrity rather than simply a new face at the top.
Sources: SBS News · The Guardian Australia · Original Facebook post