The Victorian premier has branded as "wicked" claims by some Labor MPs he made disparaging comments about a political rival battling bowel cancer.
Daniel Andrews has been forced to deny allegations he made fun of former Liberal MP Donna Bauer in parliament in 2014.
"This is a wicked, shameful lie," Mr Andrews said on Tuesday.
The claims, by unnamed sources, were published in the Herald Sun and aired on Melbourne radio 3AW on Monday.
"It did not occur," Mr Andrews said.
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"Having buried my father only a couple of months ago after a long and gruesome battle with cancer ... I find these comments, these lies, disgusting."
Mr Andrews said as a former health minister he was proud to have helped fight cancer.
"Those who spread this sort of filth shouldn't be too proud of themselves," the Labor leader said in South Gippsland.
"This says more about them than it does about me."
The premier said he had no idea why colleagues would spread "false" rumours about him.
Senior ministers on Monday rallied behind Mr Andrews ahead of state parliament resuming on Tuesday, saying he led a strong and united team.
