Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has declared she will contest any leadership challenge after factional power brokers met on the night of July 26th, 2026, and concluded she does not have the support of the Labor caucus.

A delegation of Labor MPs met with Ms Allan on the morning of July 27th to inform her of the loss of majority support and urged her to step down. However, Ms Allan responded by writing to Labor's state secretary requesting readiness for a contested leadership ballot. In her letter, she stated her intention to run as a candidate "in the event that an election is required."

Under Labor party rules, a leadership contest involving more than one candidate triggers an election among MPs and rank-and-file party members, a process that can take several weeks.

No formal challenger has yet emerged, but Mr. Paterson commented that Mr. Carroll's previous role as a cabinet minister under former Premier Daniel Andrews would not be advantageous in any leadership bid. Mr. Paterson noted, "He participated in every decision this government has made over the last few years. He was even a cabinet minister under Daniel Andrews."

Jacinta Allan assumed the premiership after Daniel Andrews announced his resignation in September 2023. Speaking on the morning of July 27th, Ms Allan emphasized the need for "strong and steady leadership in each state and territory across the country," citing the rapidly evolving global situation.

Despite the internal party tensions, Ms Allan acknowledged the challenges ahead but remains determined to lead.

Sources