Kevin Rudd calls a media conference at 1am in Washington DC ... What the!?
When that happened, the intense leadership speculation in the federal parliamentary press gallery went ballistic. What was he going to say? Would he declare a challenge? Would he declare his loyalty? No.
Us journos missed it again! He resigned as Foreign Minister. Fortunately, we weren't the only ones to miss this. Almost everyone is shocked and surprised by this move, including Mr Rudd's colleagues - both his allies (most of them) and enemies.
So, once again Australian politics has thrown up an incredible, unbelievable, unprecedented set of events. This is as dramatic as twists come. And there will be more to come.
Let's pause to consider what is happening here. He hasn't challenged yet, but make no mistake, the former prime minister who was knifed by his deputy is seeking the ultimate revenge. There is no doubt this has been his plan since the day he lost the top job. He has schemed, plotted and undermined - knowing Julia Gillard would not be able to sack him.
Over the past week, the Gillard camp capitalised on Mr Rudd's absence from the country. They blunted his momentum by successfully painting the impression that support for Rudd within caucus had flat-lined or was heading backwards. Rudd was wrong-footed. He had to alter his strategy. From a position of weakness, he had to seize back the control.
And he did.
Ms Gillard was forced on to the back foot. It took her three hours for her office to release a statement after Mr Rudd's announcement. When the statement did come out, it comprised of five sentences. The last sentence said she would say more tomorrow. She was clearly shell-shocked. It was left to her senior colleagues, namely Wayne Swan and Tony Burke to launch the counter-attack. Their sprays against Kevin Rudd will go down in history. Ouch!
Tomorrow, Julia Gillard is going to call a ballot for Monday. She had no choice.
The fact remains she has the overwhelming support of the Labor caucus. She may have been forced on to the back foot, but she does have the numbers. Her supporters say Mr Rudd's move was one made in desperation. They say he had to do it because his numbers were evaporating.
The time has come to put their money where their mouth is. The Prime Minister had little choice but to call on a leadership spill next week. If Kevin Rudd decides not to nominate, he is a coward and should walk away from Australian politics forever.
If he does nominate and loses badly, then he should also give up his ambition once and for all.
The next scenario is that Mr Rudd secures around 40 of the 103 votes in caucus. If that happens, Ms Gillard will be damaged beyond repair (if she's not already). Mr Rudd has indicated he will strike again.
The next few days will be brutal. Publicly and privately, the Gillard and Rudd camps will try to tear each other down and in the process they will destroy the party.
74 Comments
As Cameron, the general public will see this as more dirty politics by Gillard giving him no reasonable time develop his case for caucus. Like you I cannot see Rudd winning but Julia will be damaged further again largely by her own decisions and actions.
Replywho cares. more garbage coming from a party that is irrelevant. Who ever leads them is finished. You could put fredo frog in the leaders pozzy and he would get more votes. Just more evidence of labor worrying about their jobs. people come second in their eyes.
1 ReplyIt's absolutely embarrasing for the citizens of this country to know their Government is so inward looking (ALL OF THEM) showing us up on the world stage, and are not giving running the country for the people their full attention. We need an election so the people can choose who will lead them - not these stupid fools who are only looking to their own wants Gillard, Rudd, Crean and all the others within the Labor Government are not worthy of the role of Prime Minister. They continue to...
ReplyI play cards with my 9 year old daughter. She picks up a card, looks at it, looks at me and says "I don't like this one" and changes it for another..... As Jackie (above) stated "we need an election so the PEOPLE can choose who will lead them"... and it needs to be iron clad. The government are playing cards. One has the Rudd of diamonds in his hand. "I don't like this one." he says............ 0_o
1 ReplyThat woman needs to go! She doesn't like it much when the shoe is on the other foot. Love hearing what a strong woman she is, just another way of saying inflexible, has to be right even when everyone else knows she is wrong and bitter. Get her out!
ReplyGillard needs to go! She doesn't like it much when the shoe is on the other foot.Thats "KARMA" Good luck Kevin just remember who your friends are, Swan is showing his true colours, he used to be for the people but since he has moved up from his local area he has no time for local people. GO KEVIN we will support you.
ReplySack the lot, none of theses useless polies give a rats for the people, it all me me me. A disgrace this whole thing.
ReplyKevin Rudd should go from the Labor Party. He should have gone when first elected as leader when he said at a Press Conference when talking about new candidates "I don't care if you are a member of the Labor Party or a member of a union". He was the leader of a political party, he was not as he though "KING".
Replyhow dare they end my favourite soap.............. where will my entertainment come from?............... how can I enjoy breakfast without my daily giggle from the papers?.................... I had assumed Juliar was being paid as a TV star but it appears we will have to give her a huge federal pension instead......shame..shame..shame
ReplyGOOD LUCK KEVIN, there are plenty of abnormal morality in Labour. They all look after themselves and this will remind them the dirtiness they gave to Kevin, who was elected to be Priminister. They got rid of him without Australians consent. We should not vote Labour again in future. It was Swan's low act and demeaning towards his superior from the first place. All PM are not suitable to control our country. They are self-centered, stabber, and low mentality.
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