Daniel Andrews to step down in hours as leadership uncertainty looms

Victorians woke this morning to the final hours of Daniel Andrews' reign as the state's premier, a leadership tenure as politically successful as it was controversial.

Andrews will resign from the position, and his role as MP for Mulgrave, at 5pm today.

He announced the shock decision at a press conference yesterday, saying he had changed his mind after pledging to stay in the role for the full term after his 2022 election win.

READ MORE: Suing surgeon sorry for suffering but backs his work

"It's not an easy decision because, as much as we've achieved together, there is so much more to do," he said.

"But, when it's time, it's time."

What remains uncertain at this point is who the next leader of Australia's second-most populous state will be.

Labor factional meetings were held last night ahead of the caucus gathering today.

READ MORE: Long list awaits Daniel Andrews' replacement

Deputy Premier Jacinta Allan appears to be frontrunner to become Victoria's 49th premier, and would be just the second woman to lead Victoria after Joan Kirner in the early 1990s.

Kirner also acceded to the office after the resignation of a serving premier, John Cain Jr, but was defeated in the state's next election.

However, if any challengers put their hand up, Victoria may not have a new leader confirmed until AFL Grand Final Day.

READ MORE: Video shows pod of whales swimming by kayakers off Sydney beach

A leader and a deputy leader for Labor can only be announced today if there are no challengers.

Any contestation means that according to party rules there will be three days of nominations.

There will then be a vote of caucus and a vote of party members to determine who fills the vacated positions.