Julia Gillard has won the Labor leadership ballot over Kevin Rudd after much deliberation and a recount. As predicted, the Prime Minister had been expected to win with at least two thirds of the vote and Gillard secured her win with 73 votes to 29 for Kevin Rudd.
Julia Gillard will continue as Prime Minister after she easily triumphed over the challenge of Kevin Rudd in a contested ballot for the Labor leadership.
The leadership was decided at a meeting of 102 caucus members in Canberra Prime Minister Julia Gillard arrived for the caucus ballot surrounded her loyal supporters Wayne Swan, Craig Emerson, Nicola Roxon and Tanya Plibersek.
Julia Gillard won this morning’s vote 71-31 after Mr Rudd announced his intention to challenge the leadership.
Gillard decided to hold an open contest for the leadership last week after Mr Rudd resigned as Foreign Minister, in a press conference from Washington D.C.
Despite Kevin Rudd having gathered support over the weekend Julia Gillard, as predicted, convincingly kept her position by a large margin.
Julia Gillard took over the Prime Ministership from Mr Rudd in June 2010 after he lost the support of the Labor caucus.
Earlier, Kevin Rudd had spoken to Sunrise hosts Mel and Kochie, explaining “it was the right thing to challenge”.
“I’m resting very calm in my skin – it’s very tough when you’re up against the combined factions of the Australian Labor Party. Sometimes you’ve got to take a stand, even if you think it’s going to be really tough – it’s the right thing to do. People out in the community have told me: We need a change, put your hand up. Have a go.’
But despite reports of hatred within his own party, Rudd denied he would quit Labor if he loses. “I’ve been a member of the Australian Labor Party for 30 years. I will stay with this movement and this party because I believe in its underpinning values. The task of leadership is to heal the wounds and help bring people together.”
Image credit: Daily Telegraph
