Murmurs grow of a challenge to Andrews

DANIEL Andrews is facing the prospect of a leadership challenge, with some Labor MPs saying “numbers are being counted” to gauge support for a change.

Supporters of the Premier have rubbished the idea, with one describing it as “bulls---” and that only a handful of people were disaffected.

But there is a recognition of some unhappiness within Labor caucus.

It is understood some MPs and Labor sources have been canvassing how much support there would be for a spill, after growing dissatisfied with his performance.

Some MPs raised concerns about some decisions made by the premier’s inner sanctum, and how he handled the CFA crisis that saw minister Jane Garrett quit Cabinet.

One MP said about a challenge: “It’s serious.”

But another said the idea of a change was “ludicrous”.

“For what possible reason?” one said.

One MP said, while “some decisions made by Gavin (Jennings) and Daniel have raised eyebrows” the agitators were “so far removed from reality you couldn’t think up a more ludicrous scenario”.

Infighting is likely to cause headaches for the premier this week, with parliament sitting, and provide fodder for Opposition Leader Matthew Guy.