Jun 10, 2026 – 3.58pmVictorian Deputy Premier Ben Carroll has played down speculation about an imminent challenge against his Labor leader Jacinta Allan, but has left the door ajar by refusing to categorically rule out a challenge.Allan was defiant on Tuesday in the face of dire polling that could spell a wipeout at the November 28 election, despite Labor’s 16-seat lead. The premier was out doorknocking in her seemingly safe seat of Bendigo East, intensifying the possibility of a challenge as early as next week.Subscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? Fetching latest articles