The Victorian government has today quashed reports Premier Daniel Andrews is close to stepping down from the role.
The state government was insisting it's business as usual after News Corp reported the veteran Labor premier was close to quitting and Deputy Premier Jacinta Allan was being lined up to take over.
But a government spokesperson said: "We're focused on delivering what matters for Victorians."
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They provided no further comment about Andrews' future.
The claimed planning for a smooth transition in power has been underway for months.
Allan has been advised to bring a strong leadership team around her to ensure she can step into the top job at short notice.
And the reports said Andrews could be looking at potentially stepping into a business role in Australia or overseas.
Andrews led Victoria through the coronavirus pandemic, implementing one of the world's longest lockdowns for Melbourne that brought harsh criticism from some Victorians.
But he has proven a success at the ballot box.
He led Labor to a thumping state election victory last December, on par with his famous 'Dan-slide' Victorian election win of 2018.
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