Jacinta Allan has resigned as Victorian premier ahead of a leadership challenge, according to the Guardian’s live coverage. Ben Carroll has been endorsed by Victorian Labor MPs to succeed her as the state’s new leader.

The transition comes amid political and economic debate in Victoria. A critic quoted in the coverage said the state carries a debt heading toward $200bn and that teachers have been striking over a pay deal the state government and Ben Carroll have been unable to secure. These characterisations were made by a political critic and were not independently confirmed in the source.

In a separate development, the Guardian reported that Hannah Ferguson is set to challenge the prime minister in his Grayndler seat.

The report also covered a leadership shift within the union movement. Michele O’Neil, the president of the Australian Council of Trade Unions, said it was the ‘right time’ to leave as she announced her departure alongside ACTU secretary Sally McManus.

O’Neil framed the move as one of renewal, saying the union movement was ‘in good shape’ and had ‘seen changes in workers’ rights that have made a big difference in workers’ lives.’ She said the movement had begun to grow ‘for the first time in decades’ and noted that next year would mark the 100th anniversary of the ACTU as a reason for a new leadership team.

The same critic quoted in the coverage argued that any move by Carroll to call a royal commission would be motivated by concern about the polls and ‘what that means for Victorian Labor’ rather than by sincere concern about corruption, and said a majority government and ‘someone with a plan’ were needed to address the state’s challenges, including road maintenance. These are the critic’s assertions and are contested.