DANIEL Andrews resigns.
In breaking news Mr Andrews announced his resignation as Victoria’s premier and member for Mulgrave effective 5pm Wednesday.
In a shock address on Tuesday, September 26, Mr Andrews explained that “when it is time, it is time”.
Mr Andrews led Labor to three straight election victories since establishing office in 2014, is one of the state’s longest-serving premiers.
“It’s not an easy job being the premier of our state – that’s not a complaint, that’s just a fact,” he said.
The 51 year old, Mr Andrews has been a divisive figure in politics as a polarising leader with a strong hold over Victorian Labor.
Despite the widespread criticisms of launching the toughest lock downs in the country during the COVID pandemic and initiating industry closures, Mr Andrews was convincingly re-elected in November, 2022.
Addressing the public alongside his wife Cath, Mr Andrews said it was an honour and a privilege to have served his nine years in office.
“Nine years ago, I visited Government House to be sworn in as the 48th premier of Victoria – it has been the honour and privilege of my life,” he said.
“I’m also proud to think of all that we have achieved over these nine years in good times, and always working hard to do what’s right, not simply what’s popular.”
Despite only just being re-elected last year the self-proclaimed “workaholic” said “thoughts of what life will be like after this job started to creep in.”
“It requires 100 per cent from you and your family, that of course, is time-limited and now is the time to step away,” he added.
Mr Andrews said Labor MPs would meet on Wednesday to decide who would next lead the state government.
His deputy, Jacinta Allan, is largely expected to take over, while Andrews stated that the choice will be made by the party.
Dr Blair Williams a lecturer in politics and international relations at Monash University commented on the possibility of instating Ms Allan as the next premier.
“If Jacinta Allan becomes the next Premier, it would be the first time that a woman has led Victoria in over thirty years, since Joan Kirner stepped down in 1992,” she said.
Ms Allan will have very big shoes to fill following Mr Andrews resignation.
“The appointment of a woman to replace such a popular predecessor, the longest-serving Victorian premier to date, could also be considered part of the glass cliff phenomenon. This term has been coined to describe the frequency with which women are appointed to leadership positions during times of crisis or when there are higher risks of failure. Allan will have to navigate a complex political landscape to fill the large Andrews-shaped gap in a third-term government,” Dr Williams added.
