Victoria's Deputy Premier Ben Carroll has confirmed he will challenge Premier Jacinta Allan for the leadership of the Labor Party, a move that comes just four months before the state election. Carroll announced his intention to run for leadership in a social media post on Monday morning, stating that the Premier has lost the majority of the caucus.
"This decision is not easy, but the stakes at the upcoming election are simply too high," Carroll wrote. He expressed concern about the "prospect of a Liberal-One Nation Government that will cut schools, health and front-line services."
Carroll's challenge follows mounting speculation fueled by worsening poll numbers for the Labor government. A recent Resolve Political Monitor poll showed Opposition Leader Jess Wilson leading Allan by a significant margin in preferred premier polling.
Carroll had previously stated publicly that he was not seeking the leadership. Weeks ago, in response to questions about a potential challenge, he looked Premier Allan in the eye during a press conference and said he was not gunning for the job, adding he would be proud for his daughter to grow up knowing he supported Allan.
Sources indicate that Allan no longer commands the support of either the Labor Party's left or right factions, despite Carroll belonging to the minority right faction. Allan has indicated she will contest the leadership challenge when the caucus meets on Tuesday.
Carroll, who has served as Allan's deputy since 2023, previously vied for the leadership in 2023 following Daniel Andrews' resignation. That challenge was ultimately shut down by Andrews, and Carroll was appointed Deputy Premier in a factional ceasefire.
Carroll, born in 1975, grew up in Airport West, Melbourne. His website biography highlights a belief in equal opportunity, hard work, and community care. He worked at Kmart and later studied law at La Trobe University before entering politics. He served as an advisor to Victorian politicians before being elected to the Legislative Assembly in 2012.
Prior to his current role, Carroll held ministerial portfolios including Roads and Road Safety and Public Transport. These roles placed him at the center of the state's "Big Build" infrastructure program, a $100 billion initiative that has faced scrutiny over cost blowouts and allegations of corruption. Premier Allan has reportedly been referred to the Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC) regarding her handling of the scheme.
Carroll also holds ministerial responsibilities for Education, WorkSafe, the TAC, and Medical Research. In 2025, he advocated for a "zero tolerance" approach to youth crime, emphasizing accountability and victim focus.
A delegation of MPs, including Anthony Carbines, Gabrielle Williams, Ingrid Stitt, Luba Grigorovitch, and Colin Brooks, reportedly approached Allan before Monday's cabinet meeting, urging her to resign. Allan declined and indicated her intention to stand for leadership if a spill occurred.
Whispers of potential leadership arrangements suggest that Transport Minister Gabrielle Williams, a member of the Socialist Left, might run as deputy alongside Carroll in the upcoming state election. This potential ticket would aim to consolidate support ahead of the November 28 poll.