But The Australian reports ALP powerbrokers are willing to allow Andrews to choose the timing of his resignation, ideally once Victoria has overcome the worst of the coronavirus outbreak.

“We want the virus under control and a clear strategy to take the state forward,” one MP told the newspaper.

“There is no point leaving while the place is on fire.”

The newspaper said the Premier’s exit was most likely to happen during the first half of 2021.

Victoria has had nine more coronavirus deaths, with the state toll now 385 and the national figure at 472.

The new cases total 179, marking the first time in more than a month that the figure has dropped below 200 as the state’s second outbreak eases.

Andrews will today front his 50th consecutive daily press conference over Victoria’s coronavirus outbreak, amid concerns he is risking burnout.

It began in earnest last week when an emergency physician made a blunt diagnosis.

“The Premier looks knackered,” tweeted Stephen Parnis.

“I’m grateful for his dedication, but if I had a colleague in emergency who worked so many days in a row, I’d order them home for their health, safety and performance.”

The Premier looks knackered. I'm grateful for his dedication, but if I had a colleague in emergency who worked so many days in a row, I'd order them home for their health, safety & performance. Nobody should criticise him having a day off. #springst #auspol pic.twitter.com/T7SLu4Pav6

— Stephen Parnis (@SParnis) August 14, 2020

Asked about Dr Parnis’s comments, Andrews said: “I’ll be really clear with you: I won’t ask people to work harder than I do.

“I’ll be here until this is done. Because that’s an important part of the job that I have.

“This is not about me.”

-AAP, additional reporting ABC