Why did 4 Victorian Labor ministers resign from cabinet & is it all just a media beat-up?

All 4 of the now-former ministers will also not be contesting the November state election.

A government in chaos or business as usual for a party heading into an election?

The resignation of 4 senior Victorian Labor MPs from the cabinet & retirement from state politics has surprised some, with new details being revealed on their replacements.

Some have claimed the MPs are leaving a sinking ship, and the Liberals say Labor is becoming a "one-Dan show."

Deputy Premier James Merlino is the most senior of the 4. He led the state while Dan Andrews was injured last year, while also being education minister amid remote learning being imposed.

He’s also been the member for Monbulk since 2002 - a total of 20 years.

Only days before revealing he wouldn’t seek re-election, he was telling reporters something different.

Martin Foley has been the member for Albert Park since 2007. He’s also been the Health Minster since September 2020, appearing at press conferences where lockdowns were introduced & right throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Like James Merlino, Lisa Neville has been an MP for 20 years, representing the electoral district of Bellarine. More recently, she was the state police minister - while also battling illness.

Martin Pakula has been in the parliament since 2006 - but his electorate of Keysborough has been abolished ahead of the November election.

It was reported earlier this month by The Age that he would move to the upper house & re-contest the election.

He’s now told 6 News that since then, the one thing that has changed is his mind.

Jacinta Allan has been announced as the new deputy premier. Like Dan Andrews, she's from the Labor Left faction.

Lizzie Blandthorn will become the Minister for Planning and also take on responsibility for government business in the Legislative Assembly as Leader of the House.

Colin Brooks will be Minister for Child Protection and Family Services and Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers.

Steve Dimopoulos becomes Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events and Minister for Creative Industries.

Sonya Kilkenny will be Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice, Minister for Victim Support and Minister for Fishing and Boating.

And Harriet Shing will become Minister for Water, Minister for Regional Development and Minister for Equality

Ahead of the November 26 election, the Victorians Party has unveiled some of its candidates.

The new centrist party is aiming to hold the balance of power after the election, with the Greens & possibly independents also a chance to pick up lower house seats.

Watch the full report here.

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