Former Premier Daniel Andrews has publicly endorsed Ben Carroll to win the upcoming Victoria election, a rare statement that signals a major shift in state politics. Andrews praised Carroll as a "great campaigner" capable of defeating the Liberal Party and One Nation in November.
Jacinta Allan's Resignation and Leadership Change
Jacinta Allan, whom Andrews handpicked as his successor in September 2023, resigned on Tuesday morning just before a planned leadership spill. Ben Carroll stepped forward after a cross-factional delegation of MPs informed him that Allan had lost the confidence of the caucus. The sudden transition has reshaped the Labor Party's strategy ahead of the election.
Andrews' Statement and Political Endorsement
In a public statement, Andrews recalled meeting Allan when he was a junior official and she was the youngest candidate in a seemingly unwinnable Liberal stronghold in Bendigo. "Together, we worked to win that seat and for the next 25 years to elect Labor governments," he said. Andrews congratulated Carroll on his elevation and expressed confidence in his ability to win by a handful of votes in key seats.
Comparison of Victoria Premiers
| Leader | Tenure | Key Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Daniel Andrews | 2014–2023 | Infrastructure boom, pandemic response |
| Jacinta Allan | 2023–2025 | Housing reform, transport projects |
| Ben Carroll | 2025–present | Fresh approach, election focus |
What This Means for the Victoria Election
Former Labor Premier Steve Bracks noted that Allan had "no option" but to resign and that Carroll would bring a "fresh approach" as a new leader. Carroll is expected to market himself as a new-term leader with new policies, distancing from the fourth-term Labor label. The stakes are high, with Andrews warning that a Liberal-One Nation coalition could bring cuts to services.
Key Takeaways
- Ben Carroll is now Victoria's Premier after a swift leadership change.
- Daniel Andrews has publicly endorsed Carroll to win the November election.
- The election is expected to be decided by a handful of votes in marginal seats.
- Carroll will position himself as a fresh alternative to the Liberal/One Nation alliance.
FAQ
Why did Jacinta Allan resign as Victoria Premier?
Jacinta Allan resigned on Tuesday morning after losing the confidence of the Labor caucus, triggering a leadership spill in which Ben Carroll emerged as the new leader.
What did Daniel Andrews say about Ben Carroll?
Daniel Andrews called Carroll a "great campaigner" and stated he believes Carroll can win the Victoria election, emphasizing the high stakes and the threat of a Liberal/One Nation government.
When is the next Victoria state election?
The Victoria state election is scheduled for November 2025, with Ben Carroll leading the Labor Party.
With the fresh endorsement from Daniel Andrews and a rebranded leadership, the Victoria election promises to be a tightly contested race. Stay tuned for more updates as the campaign unfolds.