Victoria has its second female Premier with Jacinta Allan confirmed as a successor to Daniel Andrews.
A protracted vote that could have lasted weeks has been avoided after a deal was brokered to have challenger Ben Carroll now serve as her deputy.
The Niddrie MP and Transport Minister was a late-named contestant for the top role, but after a caucus meeting that lasted over an hour the party has decided he’ll now serve beneath the member for Bendigo East.
Ms Allan will also become the first regional Premier of Victoria since Denis Napthine, who as the Liberal member for South West Coast led the state between March 2013 and December 2014.
The incoming Premier says she’ll visit the governor-general later today where she’ll be sworn in as Victoria’s 49th Premier.
“I pledge to the Victorian community to continue to work hard every single day,” Ms Allan said.
“Like the Metro Tunnel, the Westgate Tunnel…and in the coming days and weeks I’ll have more to say on the policy decisions I’ll bring to this role.
“This is a tremendous privilege…to serve the community, wonderful state.”
Her newly anointed deputy Ben Carroll paid credit to the outgoing Premier Daniel Andrews and said he was excited to be serving beneath the incoming Labor leader.
“Jacinta has always lived and breathed regional Victoria,” he said.
“I can’t wait to roll up the sleeves and get on and support this new leadership team.”
Mr Andrews will no longer by a member of parliament as of 5:00pm today after yesterday announcing “it’s time” for him to exit politics after nine years as Premier.
