Labor MPs are furious at the Premier for what they believe is a "factional hit" designed to get rid of Small Business Minister Adem Somyurek amid claims of intimidation and harassment by his chief of staff, Dimity Paul.

Mr Andrews held a snap press conference earlier this month informing the public that Mr Somyurek had been stood down after a formal complaint by MsPaul over the minister's conduct, which the Premier said led to her feeling unsafe in his presence.

However, during a tumultuous week in Parliament, tensions emerged over discrepancies in Mr Andrews' public comments, an apparent lack of communication with the broader caucus, and a decision by his department to not only initiate an investigation of the bullying claims – led by former integrity watchdog Michael Strong – but also a "capability review" by former Public Sector Standards commissioner Peter Allen into how Mr Somyurek's office functions.

More than 20 MPs from the party's Right gathered in Parliament on Thursday night in a sign of solidarity, in what was described to Fairfax Media as "an expression of disgust in the way the leadership have taken out a hit".

Some regard the Allen review as an attempt to remove Mr Somyurek from cabinet, where he remains an easy target for the opposition, pointing out that it is not standard practice for public sector-style capability review to be conducted on a political office.

Others are outraged by suggestions the minister had been stood down without a proper written complaint – a claim Mr Andrews' office denies. And some have accused the Premier of adopting a "bunker mentality" with a limited group of confidantes, including upper house leader Gavin Jennings (a longstanding ally from Mr Andrews' Socialist Left faction) and Deputy Premier James Merlino (whose shop assistants' union was the casualty of a recent realignment in the Right).

"These people seem to think that they won government alone," said one MP. "They're not engaging and we're finding out more about the situation from questions the opposition are asking in Parliament, rather than the leader himself."

Mr Somyurek and Ms Paul have declined to speak publicly, however the embattled minister – who was not in Parliament all week – tweeted pictures of himself on Friday with Roads Minister Luke Donnellan and federal Labor MP Anthony Byrne.

Supporters of Mr Somyurek insist Ms Paul's claims are payback for his defection from the shoppies' faction aligned with union boss Michael Donovan. But others reject this, saying such suggestions undermine the seriousness of the allegations.

The scandal is politically sensitive for Mr Andrews, who has staked much of his leadership railing against violence against women and workplace bullying.

Mr Andrews played down suggestions members of his team were unhappy with the process.

"I think that what is most important is that the government is focused on the people of Victoria, not on ourselves, not on silly games," he said.