Victorian ‘Greenslide’ fails to eventuate but progressives on track for upper house balance of power

Greens' high hopes evaporate as prepoll vote comes in; leader Samantha Ratnam turns attention to Legislative Council

• Daniel Andrews vindicated in Victorian election that became a referendum on his pandemic response
• Change-or-die moment' for Victorian Liberals
• Follow our Australia news live blog for the latest updates
• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

As her forecast Greenslide" failed to materialise on Sunday, the Victorian Greens leader, Samantha Ratnam, turned her attention to hopes the party can hold the balance of power in the upper house to influence a returned Daniel Andrews government.

Ratnam was buoyant on Saturday night, declaring a surge in support off the back of early election results that showed a number of lower house seats in play for the minor party.

Sign up for Guardian Australia's free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup