Tensions within the Victorian Labor Party have been inflamed after former state cabinet minister Jane Garrett failed in her bid to move to the state's Upper House.

Ms Garrett is not contesting her marginal seat of Brunswick at next year's state poll and had hoped to continue her political career in the Upper House.

Despite winning more local votes in preselection for Western Metro than her opponent, Ingrid Stitt, the Left faction caucus voted to endorse the union boss at the central panel ballot.

It is understood there was serious anger from some elements of the Left, including those loyal to Premier Daniel Andrews, that there was "meddling" from elements of the Right faction.

Relations between Ms Garrett and the Premier have been strained for some time over the CFA workplace dispute that ultimately led to Ms Garrett quitting cabinet rather than endorse a deal for the United Firefighters Union.

Since leaving the ministry, Ms Garrett has had a major health scare after being diagnosed with breast cancer.

The decision has angered some in the ALP who said it was the loss of talent and the blame lay with the Premier.

Mr Andrews denied he had any involvement.

Left faction MP Mark Gepp described Ms Garrett's loss as a "hit", while former minister Adem Somyurek said the decision was "an indulgence" the ALP could not afford.

"The Labor Party can't afford to lose people like Jane Garrett, they come along once in a generation and I don't know what the party's thinking, but she'll be back," Mr Somyurek said.

Another senior figure said she had "been treated appallingly".

'What's the point of local votes?'

But others have said the decision was the reality of a contested preselection, with senior minister Lisa Neville saying MPs should stay in their seats.

"Garrett should have just stayed in her seat," another party figure said.

Others are angry that despite winning the local ballot over Ms Stitt, Ms Garrett was rolled by factions, with one MP asking: "What's the point of local votes?"

Ms Garrett was not at Parliament on Thursday morning.