Daniel Andrews’ pumped fist on election night and the Albanese government’s success in manoeuvring its industrial relations bill through the Senate symbolise the strength of Labor’s surge to the end of the year.

Matthew Guy, Victoria’s humiliated and now ex-Liberal leader, insists the Liberals’ “time in the sun will come again”. But for Liberals in Victoria and right around the county, it’s more like being lost in the gloomiest of nights, desperately searching for the faintest glimmer of light.