Backroom Baz: Succession planning for new Victorian premier going full steam

Daniel Andrews has rejected talk he’s eyeing an early exit from politics, but that hasn’t stopped planning for the ultimate succession to Jacinta Allan from going full steam ahead.

Planning for the transition from Daniel Andrews to Jacinta Allan is going full steam ahead. Picture: David Crosling

Again this week, talk of Daniel Andrews’ exit from politics. Baz tipped weeks ago it would come before Christmas.

The Premier said this week he was here for the long term. But he would say that, wouldn’t he?

Be that as it may, it hasn’t stopped planning for the ultimate succession to Jacinta Allan from going full steam ahead.

Whispers in Baz’s ear this week suggest plans are well and truly underway with Allan said to have already selected a chief of staff to replace Lissie Ratcliffe, who has been steadfast in her loyalty to Andrews.

Current deputy Jessie McCrone is tipped to hang around.

And Andrews? Well, let’s just say he’s been shuffling things around just nicely to ensure a smooth transition away from public life.

The new gig is tipped to keep him in Melbourne, for the most part, but you betcha it will involve some serious links with China.

As always, watch this space.

Moira bad news

Moria Deeming’s decision to challenge her suspension from the Liberal Party this week caused surprise among some MPs. But it shouldn’t have been a total surprise.

Only days earlier MPs walking into the Liberal Party’s head office were met by an angry rank and file member handing out letters urging the party to revoke the suspension.

“Time has passed since that fateful meeting on 20th March where you tried to unjustly eliminate Moira from the Opposition and besmirch her name,” the letter read.

“However, we have not forgotten or given up on having Moira’s rights reinstated and her name cleared of the outrageous charge of supporting Nazism! You forced Moira’s humiliation by having her lay bare her trauma from the past sexual violence against her.

“After hearing her horrific story, you still sought to punish her even though she highlighted her strong family awareness and abhorrence of the evils of Nazism! Please uphold Liberal values of freedom of speech and reinstate her!”

While some senior Liberals are confident they will be rid of Deeming by Christmas, Baz reckons she’s not going anywhere.

Baz has the feeling Moira Deeming isn’t going anywhere. Picture: Luis Ascui

A clashing of priorities

There was no bigger show on earth this weekend than the Coronation of King Charles III.

Baz tips his hat, but stops short of the public pledge of allegiance.

One wonders how many of His Majesty’s loyal servants, our honourable MPs, will also skip the public pledge of allegiance at a planned shindig at Government House later this month.

Governor Linda Dessau, in one of her final roles in the job, will host a reception to mark the Coronation.

Alas, someone hasn’t checked the diary, because it’s set to clash with the state government budget day.

While the treasurer will have finished his budget speech well in advance, the house will still be sitting and all and sundry working on the budget when the first champagne is popped. Oops.

Linda Dessau will host a reception to mark the Coronation of King Charles at Government House. Picture: David Crosling

Wheels spinning, slowly

Baz has for weeks now been writing about the plight of the once mighty media team behind Daniel Andrews.

Now, a much sadder outfit, devoid of staff and struggling to get going six months after the state election.

Much of the heavy lifting (let’s call it spin, shall we), now being done by a select few who have been around long enough to know what’s what.

Baz is told even minor queries are now being dealt with by senior staff in the Premier’s office itself, including dynamic chiefs-of-staff duo Lissie Ratcliffe and Jessie McCrone.

And it appears cracks are starting to appear in the outfit despite the valiant efforts of the depleted media crew. Simple queries now simply being ignored, others taking days to be responded to, if at all.

Watch this space, Baz reckons such pressure could see even more spin doctors jump ship.

Overheard

“There’s a couple of terrorists within the parliamentary party who need to work out whether they want to sit with the parliamentary party or not. The vast majority of us back John Pesutto and will continue to back John Pesutto because he’s a very good leader.”

Former Liberal leader Matthew Guy backs in his leader amid ongoing internal feuding.

Guess who?

Which MP has been privately moaning about their back row seat in parliament of late?