National News
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan Refuses to Resign as Labor Leadership Crisis Erupts
Victoria’s ruling Labor Party has been plunged into a major leadership crisis just four months out from the November state election, as Premier Jacinta Allan refuses to step down despite losing the support of a majority of her caucus.
Following months of dismal opinion polling, senior ministers and key factional leaders met with Allan on July 27 to request her resignation in the interest of party unity ahead of the campaign. Allan flatly rejected the demand, instead calling for dissatisfied ministers to resign from Cabinet, and formally notified the party secretary that she intends to contest any leadership challenge to the end.
With Deputy Premier Ben Carroll officially launching a challenge for the top job, Allan’s refusal to vacate the position triggers a protracted ballot mechanism where votes are split equally between the parliamentary caucus and the rank-and-file party membership. The process is expected to take several weeks, effectively paralyzing the state government and heightening anxiety within Labor ranks regarding their reelection prospects.