Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan is facing a leadership challenge from Deputy Premier Ben Carroll after losing support from a majority of Labor MPs [1].

The internal power struggle threatens the stability of the state government as it prepares for upcoming elections. A leadership vote is expected in the coming days following reports that factional convenors and several members of parliament informed Allan she no longer commands the caucus [1, 2].

Deputy Premier Ben Carroll signaled his readiness to take over the leadership role. He said, "I have been approached by a group of colleagues who told me the Premier no longer has caucus support and have asked me to nominate for the leadership" [3].

The challenge follows an Instagram post and reports of dwindling support within the party ranks [2]. Despite the pressure from her colleagues, Allan has indicated she will not voluntarily resign from her position.

"I will not step aside," Allan said [3].

The turmoil comes at a critical juncture for the party. With only months until Victoria heads to the polls [4], the Labor caucus must decide whether to maintain current leadership or pivot to Carroll to secure a victory in the state election.

Labor MPs are expected to meet to resolve the leadership dispute. The outcome will determine who leads the government into the next election cycle, a process that typically involves a ballot of the party's elected members in the state parliament [1, 3].

“"I will not step aside."”

This leadership challenge indicates a significant fracture within the Victorian Labor Party. By challenging the Premier so close to an election, Ben Carroll and his supporters are betting that a change in leadership will improve the party's electoral prospects more than the instability of a leadership spill would harm them.