The Victorian Greens have chosen their new leader after previous leader Samantha Ratnam revealed her bid to win a federal seat.
Ellen Sandell, MP for Melbourne since 2014, will take over following a unanimous party floor vote on Tuesday morning.
Sam Hibbins, who represents Prahran, and Western Victoria upper house MP Sarah Mansfield have been appointed MPs.
Sandell said his intentions as leader would focus on changing the government’s approach to the climate and cost of living crises.
“If you’re struggling to pay your rent, if you’re worried your kids will never be able to buy a house, or if you’re worried about the price at the checkout the next time you shop for groceries, you’re not alone.” she said.
The Greens’ new leader in Victoria state, Ellen Sandell (pictured), will demand the government make unlimited rent increases against the law.
“Our politicians are letting us down because they do not act in their best interests.”
Sandell, 39, billed herself as the “first millennial leader of a major political party in Victoria”.
He said his first step would be to demand the government make unlimited rent increases illegal.
Sandell wants people who are struggling to pay rent or buy their own home to know that they are not alone.
“The Greens are here to change things, win more seats and put pressure on Labor in Victoria to deliver the things people need, like safe housing, affordable food and a safe and healthy climate,” he said.
Ms. Sandell previously served as Dr. Ratnam’s deputy.
The leadership change was triggered when Dr Ratnam was formally announced as the Greens candidate for the federal seat of Wills on Friday.