‘Anonymous Gossip’: Jacinta Allan Dismisses Leadership Speculation

Reports emerged that Labor powerbrokers from the left and right factions were considering challenging Allan for the leadership.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan speaks during the Hawthorn Hawks Kennedy Community Centre Opening in Melbourne, Australia on Nov. 17, 2025. Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has brushed off leadership speculation as “anonymous gossip” amid growing concern over her low approval ratings.

This comes after reports emerged that Labor powerbrokers from the left and right factions were considering challenging Allan for the leadership.

Despite these rumours, Allan told reporters on March 19 that she had “great support” from her strong and “united team.”

“’I’m focused on Victorians. That’s what I am focussed on, not anonymous gossip from a few scallywags out that might need a bit of a cuddle,” she told reporters.

The premier also noted that her attention was on the upcoming national cabinet meeting, where she, other premiers and the prime minister would discuss the “consequences of the ongoing conflict and crisis around Iran.”

“I’m focused on those working people and Victorians because this is a really challenging and difficult global time,” she said.

According to a recent DemosAu poll, Allan’s approval rating was –37 percent, the lowest of any state premier, with 16 percent of voters viewing her positively and 53 percent negatively.

Deputy Premier Ben Carroll from the Labor right faction and left faction member Transport Minister Gabrielle Williams have been named as possible replacements for Allan.

However, when asked about a potential challenge on March 19, Williams said she fully backed the premier, praising the experience and expertise she brings to the role.

“It’s idle gossip and we pay no attention to it,” she said.

Carroll also expressed support for Allan, saying she was doing an “outstanding job” and working “very hard.”

“We’re all working hard to make sure that our united team defeats the Liberal opposition, and I’m focused on making sure I get the best deal for our teachers,” he said.

State Opposition Faces Significant Challenge

Meanwhile, state Opposition Leader Jess Wilson faces a significant challenge ahead of the November 2026 state election, as the Coalition needs to win at least 17 seats in the lower house to form majority government.

One Nation’s rising support is complicating the race. A Redbridge/Accent poll released on March 6 showed Labor on 28 percent primary vote, the Coalition and One Nation on 24 percent each, and the Greens on 14 percent.

Wilson, however, ruled out an alliance with One Nation to unseat Labor.

“There’ll be no alliance,” she told reporters.

“We are the Liberal and National Party’s and that is the Coalition of Victoria.”