Flanked by women at the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation's Melbourne office on Tuesday, Premier Jacinta Allan dismissed speculation of a brewing leadership challenge.
Victorian Labor's primary vote has slumped to 23 per cent, compared to the coalition's 27 per cent, while a surging One Nation has shot to 25 per cent, according to a Freshwater Strategy poll conducted for the Herald Sun.
If the findings are replicated at the November state election, the 12-year-old Labor government would likely be turfed from office - although the coalition faces an uphill battle to govern in its own right.
Over 60 per cent of respondents said Ms Allan should be replaced ahead of the election, including 39 per cent of Labor voters.
The premier repeatedly insisted none of her colleagues had asked her to stand down to improve Labor's chances of securing a historic fourth term in power.
"I don't know who these people are, but naval-gazing does not help," she told reporters on Tuesday.
"When the going gets tough, the tough gets going and I am all in in making sure Victorians have a choice at this election."
Ms Allan's personal popularity dropped five points for a net favourability rating of minus 37 points, well behind Liberal leader Jess Wilson, who has a net positive rating of 15.
The premier wouldn't be drawn on the suggestion she was "electoral poison" but said her government took responsibility for a level of voter frustration, which she also put down to global economic shocks.
"That is why we are seeing more and more people looking at the political landscape," she said.
"We are seeing how One Nation is taking a slice out of the Labor Party vote, it's absolutely cannibalising the Liberal Party vote and the National Party vote."
Ms Allan also hit back after federal One Nation leader Pauline Hanson suggested the premier "suck it up" following digital billboards depicting her wearing a witch's hat next to the "Ditch the Witch" slogan.
"Pauline Hanson chooses to barrack for the bullies. I choose to fight them," she said.
Victorian Labor leadership ructions flared in March, but Ms Allan indicated it was coming from "scallywags" who "might need a bit of a cuddle".
Speculation has reignited of a potential move against her as early as the coming week, the final parliamentary session before the winter break.
Deputy Premier Ben Carroll from Labor's right and Transport Infrastructure Minister Gabrielle Williams from Ms Allan's left faction have been touted as possible replacements.
Under Labor rules, if there is more than one nominee for the leadership, separate votes would be required of caucus and party members.
There has not been a formal Labor leadership challenge since 1999, when Steve Bracks ousted John Brumby as opposition leader.
16°C