Ben Carroll's break from Daniel Andrews era divides Victoria's Labor faithful
Victoria's new Labor leader is stepping away from his predecessor's legacy. This is causing concern among longtime party members.
Ben Carroll is trying to distance himself from Daniel Andrews, creating friction within Labor's core support. Andrews' former chief of staff Lissie Ratcliff told the Socially Democrat podcast that party loyalists were concerned.
Ratcliff said Carroll was throwing the baby out with the bathwater by abandoning established policies. The tension centered on Carroll's decision to cancel a planned bronze statue of Andrews.
Carroll is entitled to put his own mark on government. But some long-serving Labor figures worry about something else.
They think completely rejecting their predecessor's work dismisses years of effort. Carroll's strategy appears aimed at setting himself apart.
But the move risks alienating grassroots members and former staff who delivered Andrews' decade-long tenure.
- 7 years
- Years as chief of staff
- FMRS
- Former staff advisory firm
Why it mattersInternal party divisions can affect Labor's unity heading into elections. They also affect its ability to defend its record on major policies.
AustraliaVictoria's Labor government faces potential backlash from its base over how it honours or distances itself from the Andrews era.
Corroborated bywatoday.com.au·brisbanetimes.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 9 d ago
