Ms Gillard, Australia’s first woman prime minister, had been expected to sack
Mr Rudd next week amid ongoing speculation that he was undermining her and
planning a challenge. The two joined forces to help Labour to sweep back to
power in 2007, with Ms Gillard as Mr Rudd’s deputy. But her swift move to
depose him two years ago triggered a bitter rivalry.
Mr Rudd said today he had been plagued by “similar factors” to those
that had led him to resign two years ago, including attacks against him by
backroom operators and “faceless men” who questioned his integrity
and “fitness to serve as a minister.”
“When challenged today on these attacks, Prime Minister Gillard chose not
to repudiate them. I can only reluctantly conclude that she therefore shares
these views,” he said.
He did not publicly announce a challenge but said his party’s main aim should
be to consider the most likely way to ensure that the Opposition leader,
Tony Abbott, does not win the next election.
“I am sad because I love this job,” he said. “I am sadder still
that it has come to this.”
In a bitter response to the resignation, Ms Gillard praised Mr Rudd’s service
as foreign minister but took a swipe at his political machinations.
“I am disappointed that the concerns Mr Rudd has publicly expressed this
evening were never personally raised with me, nor did he contact me to
discuss his resignation prior to his decision,” she said in a statement.
Ms Gillard has struggled in the polls since becoming leader and was only able
to win a minority government at the 2010 election. Meanwhile, Mr Rudd has
enjoyed strong public approval and has gained growing support among party
members. While the bulk of the party despised him as prime minister – citing
his chaotic and autocratic leadership style – he has won support among
backbenchers amid fears that Labour would be wiped out at the next election
– due in 2013 – under Ms Gillard.
In a stunning reflection of the depth of bitterness in the upper ranks of the
party, the deputy leader, Wayne Swan, accused Mr Rudd of being a selfish,
disloyal saboteur who worked actively to undermine Ms Gillard during the
last election campaign.
“For too long, Kevin Rudd has been putting his own self-interest ahead of
the interests of the broader Labour movement and the country as a whole, and
that needs to stop,” he said.
At this stage, Ms Gillard is believed to have a strong majority in the
party-room, though the situation is volatile. The leadership instability
could lead to an early election, particularly if Mr Rudd wins a ballot,
which could prompt some independent MPs to withdraw their support for the
Labor-led Government.
Mr Abbott said the leadership tensions were causing instability and could only
end with an election.
“Kevin Rudd’s statement tonight confirms that this Government is unworthy
to continue in office,” he said.
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