Planning Minister Richard Wynne is recovering after a minor heart attack.
He is expected to return to his portfolio early next year.
Mr Wynne is a father of two who holds the seat of Richmond. He was Lord Mayor of Melbourne in 1991.
Mr Wynne,who was housing,local government and Aboriginal affairs minister in the Bracks and Brumby governments,became planning minister in the new government after Brian Tee,the party's planning spokesman since 2010,lost his Upper House seat in last month's election.
Premier Daniel Andrews said Mr Wynne would take temporary leave."Cath and I wish him well for his recovery,"he said in a statement.