Labor MPs say Ben Carroll is “ready to go”, in the clearest indication that he is serious about nominating as a candidate in the event of a leadership spill.

Victoria’s Deputy Premier Ben Carroll has played down speculation about an imminent challenge against the Labor leader.

Labor MPs say Ben Carroll is “ready to go”, in the clearest indication that he is serious about nominating as a candidate in the event of a leadership spill.

The deputy premier on Friday did not rule himself out of being a leadership contender, but insisted there was no looming challenge against Jacinta Allan.