Labor weighs Albanese successors amid fears of electoral setbacks across states
Labor figures are reportedly discussing possible successors to Anthony Albanese in case a major defeat for the party in Victoria triggers a wider leadership crisis. The talks reflect concerns that the federal government’s unpopularity and One Nation’s growth are weakening Labor across state branches ahead of upcoming elections.
A Freshwater poll put Victorian Labor on 24 per cent of the primary vote, five points behind the Coalition on 29 per cent; One Nation stood at 22 per cent and the Greens at 14 per cent. In NSW, Labor insiders fear up to 10 seats could be vulnerable to One Nation, particularly in the Hunter, where Premier Chris Minns has increased his visits and ministers have stepped up campaigning.
- Labor figures are reportedly weighing succession plans.
- Victorian Labor polls at 24 per cent, behind the Coalition.
- NSW insiders fear One Nation could threaten up to 10 seats.
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Anthony Albanese is Australia's Prime Minister and leader of the Australian Labor Party. Senior figures within Labor are reportedly discussing potential successors to him should the party suffer a major electoral defeat in Victoria. These discussions reflect concerns that the federal government's declining popularity could trigger wider losses in upcoming state elections.
Australia faces state elections in Victoria and New South Wales. Polling indicates Labor trails in Victoria, with the Coalition leading and One Nation, a right-wing populist party, emerging as a major contender. In New South Wales, Labor MPs fear One Nation could capture up to ten seats, particularly in regional areas like the Hunter valley.
Significant losses in state elections would weaken the federal government's political position. One Nation's rise represents a new challenge in Australian politics and presents Labor with difficulties it has not previously encountered at this scale.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Given the polling showing Labor at 24 per cent in Victoria with One Nation at 22 per cent, the party faces a potential electoral catastrophe. Responsible party leadership means considering contingencies and whether a fresh leader could reset the government's narrative and arrest these losses. This is prudent succession planning reflecting stewardship rather than disloyalty.
The case against
Publicly discussing leadership succession creates perceptions of internal instability that become self-fulfilling prophecies and undermine Albanese's authority precisely when unity is most critical. The party's energy must focus entirely on supporting the current leader and winning elections, not entertaining speculation about alternatives. Maintaining disciplined messaging and visible unity is essential when electoral margins are already deteriorating.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Inside Labor’s secret succession talks as fears grow Anthony Albanese is dragging the party ‘off a cliff’: The factions, numbers and rival powerbrokers positioning for a post-Albo era”.