Labor’s Leadership Crisis: A Tale of Two Premiers

The Victorian Labor Party is at war with itself, with Premier Jacinta Allan’s leadership under intense scrutiny. An extraordinary meeting of factional conveners has made it clear that her days as premier are numbered.

Sources close to the party say that after nearly three years in office, Allan’s support among caucus members has been dwindling. Conveners from several factions claim that the room was broadly in agreement that she no longer has the backing needed to lead the government to the November 28 state election.

Allan remains defiant, telling her supporters that she won’t resign regardless of what factional chiefs decide. However, even Ben Carroll, Allan’s likely replacement as Deputy Premier, has indicated he would not use his numbers to bring the premier down. The absence of a declared challenger adds to the uncertainty.

The leadership challenge is complex, with party rules requiring a caucus vote and ballot of members to choose a new leader. This process can take up to six weeks, leaving the government in limbo at a critical time.

The People vs. Jacinta Allan

Some within her own Left faction want Allan out, but not every faction was represented at the meeting. An MP told The Age that “some people don’t want to do the hard work” and are instead relying on conveners to act on their behalf.

Allan’s leadership has been under fire for months, with even Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny dismissing speculation as idle gossip. However, a recent Resolve Political Monitor shows Allan’s likeability at minus 36, her lowest result on record. This is a recipe for disaster in an election just four months away.

The Endgame

The growing opposition within the party threatens to force Allan out of power. If she remains premier, Labor’s chances at the state election are all but gone. The leadership challenge has created a sense of urgency that’s been missing from this government for far too long.

Allan’s unpopularity is evident in her trailing Opposition Leader Jess Wilson by a significant margin on preferred premier, according to the latest Resolve Political Monitor.

A Leadership Vacuum

Ben Carroll might step in to save the day, but another candidate could emerge from the shadows. The fact remains that Allan’s leadership has been doomed for months now, and she’s incredibly unpopular despite being given time to connect with voters.

This leadership crisis presents an opportunity for Labor to regain the confidence of voters. It’s a chance to remind Victorians of the benefits of a strong Labor government, one that’s been lacking in recent years.