The unionist who led Victoria's firefighters into political warfare with the Premier is facing a threat to his position from a rival who has signalled his support for Daniel Andrews.
Peter Marshall last week attacked Mr Andrews' Labor Government over the appointment of a new fire chief for the Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB), accusing the Premier of selling out firefighters over the recruitment of Englishman Dan Stephens.
In an explosive interview with ABC Radio Melbourne, Mr Marshall accused the Premier of breaking pre-election promises, the details of which Mr Marshall warned would be released in the lead-up to the November state election.
Mr Marshall also refused to deny the existence of a secret recording of Mr Andrews, something that has long been speculated in state political circles.
Veteran MFB firefighter Lyndon Clarke is currently challenging Mr Marshall for state secretary of the union.
The 53-year-old says time is ripe for change and that he had been approached by members to run.
"Peter has been fantastic for the UFU," he told the ABC.
"It is important in any organisation that there is change."
Asked about Mr Marshall's incendiary comments about the Premier last week, Mr Clarke said: "Peter brings a lot of passion, I can't speak for Peter."
Mr Clarke said the Labor Government had been supportive of firefighters by trying to get complex workplace agreements in the CFA and MFB approved.
Both issues have been politically tough for the Government.
He said a major of focus of his leadership would be to have a good working relationship with government and ensuring that the MFB workplace agreement was ratified by the Fair Work Commission, where it is currently being scrutinised.
Mr Clarke rated his chances at "50-50".
Some firefighters have told the ABC that they are open to change, adding they were surprised at how strongly Mr Marshall reacted last week to Mr Stephens' appointment.
Mr Marshall was contacted for comment.
Ballots for the UFU leadership are in the process of being distributed.
