Following former PM Kevin Rudd’s resignation in the US yesterday a leadership ballot has been announced for Monday.
Responding to Rudd’s resignation, Gillard said: “I have formed this view that we need a leadership ballot in order to settle this question once and for all.
“I believe that it is in the interests of the Labor Party that it be determined once and for all, but much more importantly, I believe it is in the interest of the Australian nation.
“In recent days I believe that this has moved from a distraction of governing itself. That’s not good enough. Australians are rightly sick of this, and they want it brought to an end.”
Cabinent minister have been quick to back Gillard, who is believed to have the majority of support in the party.
Wayne Swan, the deputy prime minister described Rudd as a poor decision maker with a demeaning attitude towards colleagues.
“I do not believe prime minister Gillard can lead Australian Labor party to success in the next election,” Rudd said at a press conference in Washington.
“I also believe that view is shared across Australian,” he added.
Cabinet minister Martin Ferguson revealed that he shared that opinion: the Resources Minister said: “In my opinion Kevin Rudd is best placed to take on Tony Abbott.”
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