Ben Carroll Becomes Victorian Premier After Jacinta Allan’s Resignation on July 28

Jacinta Allan stepped down as Victorian premier on July 28, 2026, after 48 hours of internal Labor turmoil triggered by corruption allegations linked to the CFMEU and the state’s $109 billion Big Build infrastructure program. Ben Carroll, her deputy, was unanimously elected as the new premier. In his first act, Carroll announced a royal commission into the construction sector and plans for a special prosecutor to investigate alleged criminal infiltration of government sites.

How Allan lost the numbers in 24 hours

Allan faced mounting pressure over her handling of alleged organised crime infiltration at state construction sites. An integrity expert estimated the corruption cost taxpayers $15 billion, though Allan disputed the figure. On Monday, July 27, a cross-factional delegation of Labor MPs visited Allan to tell her she had lost caucus confidence. She initially fought back, formally nominating herself for a leadership ballot. But by Tuesday morning, with the numbers decisively against her, she resigned, citing the need to avoid a prolonged six-week contest that would damage Labor before the November election.

Carroll’s swift pivot and chaotic caucus meeting

Carroll had publicly promised Allan in June that he would not challenge her. When approached by the delegation on Monday, he agreed to stand. At Tuesday’s caucus meeting, Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny unexpectedly nominated for the leadership, threatening to trigger a wider ballot involving party members. Yelling erupted outside the meeting before Labor MP Juliana Addison announced that Carroll had been unanimously elected. Transport Infrastructure Minister Gabrielle Williams was elected deputy premier.

Final Thoughts

Carroll takes office four months before the state election with a mandate to reset Labor’s integrity message. His immediate push for a royal commission and special prosecutor signals a deliberate break from Allan’s approach, but the party enters the campaign weakened by internal conflict.

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