Urgent talks are being held to avert a leadership showdown between Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan and her deputy, Ben Carroll, that could plunge the state's Labor government into weeks of political turmoil. Both have publicly declared they will stand in a leadership ballot expected when caucus meets for the first time since the winter break on Tuesday.
On Monday, a cross-factional delegation of ministers and factional leaders told Allan she did not have the support of the majority of caucus and urged her to step down. She has refused.
How a leadership ballot would work
A petition for a leadership spill in the Victorian Labor party requires backing from 50% of caucus. If the petition succeeds and only one candidate stands, that person is automatically affirmed. If multiple candidates run, it triggers an election process involving both the parliamentary caucus and rank-and-file Labor members, potentially taking up to six weeks.
Nominations would open within 24 hours and close three days later, though caucus can vary this period if more than 80% of MPs agree. Candidates need support from at least 20% of caucus.
Voting and interim leadership
After nominations close, voting will be open for 28 working days. Results from caucus and rank-and-file members are weighted 50% each and combined to determine the winner. During the process, an interim leader must be elected because the deputy leader is a candidate. Labor is in government and just four months from an election, a situation many in the party hope to avoid.
Allan's stance
Allan has refused to step aside. She wrote to Labor secretary Steve Staikos on Monday, asking the party to prepare for a contested ballot. In her letter, she stated: "I refer to media speculation regarding the leadership of the Victorian Parliamentary Labor Party and am writing to request that you ensure that the Victorian Labor Party is prepared to conduct an election for the leadership of the State Parliamentary Labor Party in the event an election is required." She also formally notified her intention to be a candidate. The Victorian Labor party declined to comment "at this time."
