Why Jill Hennessy’s sudden exit from cabinet has rocked Labor

Unlike other Labor ministers who’ve departed cabinet this year, Jill Hennessy’s exit isn’t marred by controversy.

Jill Hennessy with Victorian Premier Dan Andrews. Picture: Stuart McEvoy

Attorney-General Jill Hennessy’s sudden exit from cabinet makes it six ministers Daniel Andrews has lost this year.

Unlike the others, with the exception of his chief lieutenant Gavin Jennings in March, Hennessy’s departure appears not to have been marred by controversy.

There was no suggestion that the decision was sparked by anything other than family reasons.

And for once, that phrase doesn’t appear to be giving cover to a controversy or scandal.

The move still rocks Labor, however.

After 10 years since her election to state parliament, Hennessy was considered a genuine frontrunner for the party’s leadership.

Hennessy’s departure now clears the way for Jacinta Allan to succeed Andrews. Picture: AAP

In her time in cabinet, first as health minister and then as Attorney-General, Hennessy was one of the government’s most powerful assets.

She quickly developed a reputation for her strong work ethic, commitment to social reform, and attention to policy detail.

Only fellow left-winger Jacinta Allan, herself a frontbench powerhouse, was considered as likely as Hennessy to succeed Andrews.

Her departure now clears the way for Allan to take over - although ask certain right-wingers if they will settle for that and the message back will be loud and clearly negative.

While there is no suggestion the Premier is currently planning his own exit, sources suggest he would be keen to see a female MP in the top job one day.

Speculation has been rife this year that Andrews was planning to bow out before the 2022 election, and that the party would let him leave on his own terms.

Andrews has been at the helm for 10 years, and premier for six, and barring the Hotel Quarantine Inquiry delivering a final report on Monday that forces it’s hand - which is unlikely - the party isn’t expected to stage a coup.

Hennessy stepped down for family reasons. Picture: Mark Stewart

So while Allan now remains the clear frontrunner to take over when the time is right, sources say Hennessy is leaving with a “never say never” view to a political comeback.

Her decision to leave for family reasons, to support her daughters through final years of school, could give her the time and space to determine exactly what she wants to do politically.

And if in two or three years she comes back deciding she wants a run at the top job, she’ll likely return with a clean slate.

Which would be quite a unique selling point in modern politics.