Victoria’s new deputy premier announced as Jacinta Allan

The Victorian government has unveiled the state’s new deputy premier, following the departure of four senior frontbenchers.

The Victorian Labor government has unveiled who has stepped into the role of deputy premier.

Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan was unanimously voted into the vacant role during a caucus meeting on Saturday.

Her appointment came after James Merlino the outgoing deputy premier resigned on Friday, along with three other high-profile ministers.

Bendigo MP Jacinta Allan is Victoria’s new deputy premier. Photo: Supplied

“It is a tremendous privilege and it is one that I know comes with the additional responsibilities, but it also builds on the work I have been doing every single day as a regional MP in Bendigo,” Ms Allan said after meeting.

She will be the second female deputy premier in the state’s history.

“I thank my caucus colleagues for their strong endorsement and support and say to them that my door is always open to work with them in their local communities, on working through policy matters, because we’ve got so much more to do as a government,” Ms Allan said.

Premier Daniel Andrews said he was “delighted” with the decision.

“JA (Jacinta Allan) is just outstanding and it’s fitting that the caucus has elected her unopposed,” he said.

The premier fended off questions about factional issues, given both he and Ms Allan were from the left of the party.

“My judgment is that the best person should get the job,” Mr Andrews said.

Victoria’s Premier Daniel Andrews and new deputy premier Jacinta Allan of the Labor Party leaving a caucus meeting to make new appointments to the cabinet. Picture: NCA NewsWire /Brendan Beckett

“And I happen to be joined in that judgment by every single one of my colleagues.”

He also denied there was a discussion about a handover with Ms Allan.

The other ministers who announced they would stand down from their portfolios and not contest the election include; Health Minister Martin Foley, Police Minister Lisa Neville and Tourism Minister Martin Pakula.

Those vacancies will be filled by Lizzie Blandthorn, Steve Dimopoulos, Sonya Kilkenny and Harriet Shing. Speaker Colin Brooks will also move into a cabinet position.

The new cabinet positions would be announced later on Saturday or Sunday, Mr Andrews confirmed.