Minister backs Jacinta Allan’s leadership despite dire polling

Senior Labor minister Gabrielle Williams has defended Jacinta Allan’s record as Werribee residents head to the polls, saying there is “absolutely no appetite” for a leadership change.

Senior Minister Gabrielle Williams has said there is “absolutely no appetite” for a leadership change, defending Jacinta Allan’s record despite dire polling and as Werribee residents head to the polls.

On the eve of what is expected to be a tight contest in the western suburbs seat, formerly held by retired treasurer Tim Pallas, Ms Williams sought to shut down any talk that Ms Allan’s future as leader could be on the line.

Ms Williams, who was recently promoted to transport infrastructure minister, said there was “no one better qualified” than Ms Allan to lead the state.

“There is absolutely no appetite for change,” she said.

“Jacinta Allan is an exceptional leader.

“There is no one better qualified to lead this state.”

Gabrielle Williams says there is ‘no appetite’ for a leadership change in the state government. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Ms Williams says ‘no one is better qualified’ than Ms Allan to lead the state. Picture: 9 News

Ms Williams, however, dodged questions about whether a loss in Werribee would be reflective of Ms Allan’s leadership or be the catalyst for a possible leadership change.

“We know Werribee is going to be a tight contest,” she said.

“They tend to be a particularly tough for incumbents.

“We will take whatever lessons out of that result that we can.”

It comes after record-low polling for Labor, with the government’s primary vote dropping to just 22 per cent.

Ms Williams was in Spotswood to announce three new inbound express lanes would open on the West Gate Freeway from next month.

The express lanes will run inbound from the M80 Ring Road interchange to the West Gate Bridge.

It follows resurfacing works and the installation of new barriers as part of the West Gate Tunnel Project.

Originally published as Minister backs Jacinta Allan’s leadership despite dire polling