Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
AAP
AAP
Politics
Holly Hales

'First millennial leader' takes charge of state Greens

Climate and cost of living will be the focus of new Victorian Greens leader Ellen Sandell. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)

The Victorian Greens have chosen their new leader after previous chief Samantha Ratnam revealed her bid to win a federal seat.

Ellen Sandell, MP for Melbourne since 2014, will take over the post after the unanimous vote by the party room on Tuesday morning. 

Sam Hibbins, who represents Prahran, and upper house MP for Western Victoria Sarah Mansfield have been appointed deputies. 

Ms Sandell, 39, flagged herself as the "first millennial leader of a major political party in Victoria".

She said her intentions as leader would centre on shifting government focus to the climate and cost of living crises. 

"If you are struggling to pay rent, if you are worried that your kids will never be able to buy a home or if you're worried about the price at the checkout next time you're buying groceries, you are not alone," Ms Sandell said.

"We're being let down by our politicians who aren't acting in your interests."

She said her first move would be to demand the government make unlimited rent increases illegal.

"The Greens are here to shake things up, win more seats and put pressure on Labor in Victoria to deliver the things people need – like secure housing, affordable food and a safe and healthy climate," she said.

Ms Sandell previously served as Dr Ratnam's deputy. 

The leadership switch was triggered when Dr Ratnam was formally announced as the Greens' candidate for the federal seat of Wills on Friday.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.