Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has announced her resignation from the top job, following a period described as tumultuous for Labor and occurring just four months before the state election. Allan had initially vowed to challenge for the leadership on Monday after a group of MPs informed her she no longer had the support of caucus and urged her to step down.
On Tuesday morning, Allan stated that Deputy Premier Ben Carroll would have her “unqualified support.” Carroll had confirmed on Monday his intention to nominate for the Labor leadership. This decision by Allan clears the way for Carroll to become leader unopposed, avoiding a potentially lengthy voting process involving broader Labor membership ahead of the state election.
Allan's leadership had been affected by allegations of wrongdoing concerning the 'Big Build', as she was the minister responsible for transport infrastructure at the time. She had apologised for criminal conduct uncovered but rejected calls for a royal commission, a stance understood to have created disagreement with some MPs. Ben Carroll is understood to be in favour of a royal commission and has also indicated he believes he could better resolve the pay dispute with public school teachers, improve the party's economic standing, and support businesses.