Daniel Andrews unleashed a ‘foul-mouthed rant’ at caucus meeting to determine his successor

Dan Andrews exploded in an expletive-laden rant during a caucus meeting to determine his successor, leaving powerbrokers stunned.

Daniel Andrews “exploded” in an expletive-laden rant at a caucus meeting held to determine his successor on Wednesday, it has been reported.

Andrews dropped the F-bomb during a furious spray after Labor ministers from the right of the party threw their hat in the ring for leader.

The outgoing Victorian Premier had attempted to arrange an all Socialist Left leadership team of Jacinta Allan and Tim Pallas, The Australian reported.

But the move backfired when right-aligned Ben Carroll and Anthony Carbines put their hands up for the premiership.

Retiring Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews at Parliament House in Melbourne. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Andrews rant came after he realised that party rules dictated a ballot of members if leadership was contested, which could leave Victoria without a premier for a month.

A compromise was struck with Ms Allan as Premier and Right-aligned Ben Carroll as deputy, with Andrews’ backing.

One source told the publication: “Daniel exploded in caucus. His rant was second to none. It was f..king this, f..king that.

“He basically said to them: ‘You all have the right to aspire to be promoted. You don’t have the right to bring divisions into this room.’”

Another added: “It was a classic Daniel manoeuvre, complete with a classic botching of the detail around party rules.”

Incoming Victorian premier Jacinta Allan (C) speaks to the media alongside incoming deputy Premier Ben Carroll (R). (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

Sources also said that a deal was struck after Andrews implored ministers to come to an agreement.

“He told them: ‘You guys, sort this out. There’s a fricking deal to be made here. Do it now’,” one source said.

Mr Andrews did not comment on the newspaper’s claims.

“The 49th Premier was elected unopposed by the caucus, and she has my full support,” he said.

Mr Andrews resigned on Tuesday after nine years as Victorian Premier.

He came under sustained criticism during the pandemic over a reduction in civil liberties but also attracted fierce support from Labor voters.