Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan Dismisses Leadership Change Talk as 'Scallywag' Gossip
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has publicly dismissed ongoing speculation about a potential leadership change within the Labor party, characterizing the rumors as mere gossip from 'a few scallywags out there who might need a bit of a cuddle.' Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Allan emphasized her confidence in a strong and united team, downplaying internal discussions that have been brewing for weeks among party members.
Internal Labor Sources Confirm Push for Leadership Change
Despite Allan's dismissive remarks, more than a dozen Victorian Labor sources, including ministers and factional powerbrokers, have anonymously confirmed to Guardian Australia that there is indeed a concerted push for a leadership change. These sources cite several key factors driving the discontent:
- Baggage from Previous Roles: MPs point to Allan's tenure as deputy to former Premier Daniel Andrews, her involvement in the cancelled Commonwealth Games, and her oversight of the Big Build infrastructure program during a period of alleged corruption in the construction union.
- Polling Numbers: Recent polls highlight Allan's unpopularity, with a DemosAU poll showing a net approval rating of -37%, making her the only state leader in negative territory. Resolve polling from February indicated only one in five voters prefer her as premier.
- Factional Dynamics: The rumors are notably emerging from within Allan's own Socialist Left faction, which holds about 39 of the 69 caucus seats, suggesting deeper internal strife.
Factional Tensions and Political Vulnerabilities
The leadership speculation has exposed significant factional tensions within the Labor party. Some MPs from the Socialist Left argue that Allan 'was always on borrowed time' due to her perceived lack of genuine support from the faction, despite her nominal affiliation. Others commend her independence but acknowledge it makes her politically vulnerable.
Deputy Premier and Education Minister Ben Carroll, a potential leadership candidate from the right faction, has echoed Allan's unity message, stating the caucus is a strong, united team and downplaying any ambitions for the top job. Similarly, Transport Infrastructure Minister Gabrielle Williams, seen as a left faction candidate, has offered her 'full and unreserved support' to Allan and denied involvement in any numbers game.
Timing and Strategic Considerations
While a leadership challenge is not considered imminent, sources reveal strategic discussions about timing. Some agitating for change suggest waiting until after the May state budget to allow Allan to deliver potentially unpopular news, giving a new leader clear air. Others propose delaying until closer to the next election to avoid costly byelections if Allan and supporters resign after a spill.
However, many within Labor advocate for a less dramatic approach, such as refreshing the ministry with newer MPs to reset the government's image without causing a rupture. As one MP noted, 'It's a reset that's needed – not a rupture.' For now, the consensus is that Allan retains enough support to weather the storm, but the ongoing gossip underscores the volatile nature of Victorian politics.
