Albanese’s Left faction poised to secure more ministers
While the Left could claim 16 ministers, sources on both sides expect the prime minister to opt for an even split of positions to avoid a factional brawl.
Anthony Albanese’s powerful Left faction is in line for more ministerial positions — including former leader Bill Shorten’s cabinet spot — as the once-dominant Right faction struggles to hold on to its power base.
Candidates from the Left are expected to secure a string of surprise victories in electorates such as Melbourne, Longman and Forde, boosting its presence in the party room.
Labor is on track for one of its biggest-ever victories, set to secure more than 85 seats and relegate the Coalition to fewer than 50.
In the last term, the Right held 16 ministry spots while the Left had 14. But with the way results are falling, the Left could claim 16 this time, pushing the Right to 14. That would require dumping a senior member from the NSW Right, such as Industry and Science Minister Ed Husic — a scenario both factions concede is unlikely.
