Dave Hughes reveals he is voting Liberal after months of playing coy - and sensationally claims Victoria's new Premier is parroting him: THE DEBRIEF

Dave Hughes has never been one to keep his opinions to himself.

And now the outspoken comedian, 55, is making a remarkable new claim: that Victoria's freshly installed Premier Ben Carroll has been keeping a very close eye on his social media rants.

Speaking on the Daily Mail podcast The Debrief with Savanna Young about the state's political shake-up, Hughes suggested the new leader appeared to be echoing messages he has been promoting online for months.

'I feel like he's been watching my Instagram,' Hughes said.

The comedian claimed he recently noticed the Premier promoting a message about respecting taxpayers' money, something Hughes believes mirrors arguments he has been making publicly.

'He seems to be watching what I say because he's repeating a lot of what I say,' Hughes insisted.

According to Hughes, the government's messaging signals a recognition that public funds belong to Victorians rather than politicians.

While Hughes welcomed Mr Carroll's rhetoric, he questioned whether voters would be convinced that meaningful change is underway.

And in an extraordinary claim, Hughes suggested his outspoken criticism of the Victorian government may have played a role in the downfall of former Premier Jacinta Allan.

Allan, 52, quit as Premier in July after losing the support of the Labor caucus, despite maintaining she could still win the November state election.

Carroll, 51, has now taken over the state's top job with Labor facing a difficult election campaign, as the party struggles in opinion polls ahead of the November vote.

'I think I've made a big difference in Victoria,' Hughes declared.

'If I hadn't been as vocal as I had, I reckon Jacinta Allan would still be Premier of Victoria. Seriously.'

The comedian acknowledged others may disagree with his assessment, but maintained that his public campaigning had an impact on the political landscape.

Hughes also pointed to comments made by the new Premier on his first day in the top job, particularly remarks about integrity and leadership.

The former radio star argued those comments amounted to an implicit criticism of previous administrations, a point he seized upon during his lengthy political commentary.

'He said "I'm not Dan Andrews, I'm not Jacinta Allan. So I'm not the last two premiers under the government, I lead with integrity. Integrity will not be optional". He said that,' Hughesy quoted Carroll.

'So the guy who watched the last two premiers behind closed doors said that when he's in charge, integrity is not going to be optional, which is saying integrity was optional under those two leaders. It's a big thing to say.

Despite expressing some optimism about the new leadership's messaging, Hughesy remained deeply sceptical about the governing party's prospects ahead of the next state election.

He said Carroll faces an uphill battle convincing Victorians that the government has changed course.

'He's got two months to try to convince the public that the government should be trusted,' Hughesy said.

The comedian also threw his support behind the Victorian Liberals, revealing he has gone 'all chips in' on the opposition.

He specifically praised Liberal leader Jess Wilson, describing her as 'reasonable' and 'honest' after attending a Liberal function with her in Geelong last month.

Hughesy also argued Victorians should consider giving the opposition a chance, while stressing he would remain willing to change his view if future policies failed to impress him.

'Jess Wilson is a young woman. She's in the mid 30s. Young mum. I've met her a few times. I've done a function with her down in Geelong,' he added.

'I think Victoria should give her a go and give the Libs a go this time.'

While political pundits may debate the true extent of his influence, Hughes himself appears convinced his voice is being heard in the corridors of power.

But has his self-proclaimed influence prompted him to run for politics?

His surprising answer, and the full explosive interview, can be heard in the latest episode of The Debrief with Savanna Young – now available on the Daily Mail's YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts, with new episodes dropping weekly.