All the president’s men. While most of the ALP is firmly focused on next weekend’s national conference, we hear that the Victorian branch of Young Labor is busily navel gazing, with its conference being held in early August. The Unity faction has put Will Bennett forward as their candidate for Victorian Young Labor presidency, and so far there don’t seem to be any serious challengers. We hear from a tipster that the shop assistants’ union faction is feeling frozen out of the deal made between the National Union of Workers, Short-Con and Socialist Left groups, and are looking around for someone to run against Bennett. One name suggested to Tips is Josh Gilligan, who has been connected to the NUW faction previously. While one tipster seemed keen on the idea of a Gilligan presidency, another Labor source seemed surprised that Gilligan could find support, as he’s been stepping on a lot of toes in the party already. Looks like the yoof wing of the ALP doesn’t even need the national conference for power plays and factional infighting.

*Heard anything that might interest Crikey? Send your tips to boss@crikey.com.au or use our guaranteed anonymous form