Labor challenge will occur: Wilkie

19 Feb 2012, 7:24 pm   -   Source: AAP

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Independent MP Andrew Wilkie says he would find it easier to work with Kevin Rudd than Julia Gillard if the foreign minister became prime minister again.

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Independent MP Andrew Wilkie says he would find it easier to work with Kevin Rudd than Julia Gillard if the foreign minister regains his former job of prime minister.

Speculation about a possible challenge from Mr Rudd has increased following the release of video out-takes on the file-sharing site YouTube that shows him swearing and losing his temper.

Mr Wilkie tore up his agreement to support the Gillard minority government after the prime minister broke her promise on gambling reforms in January.

The independent member for the Hobart seat of Denison said his relationship with Ms Gillard had taken a "battering" since he pulled his support for the Labor government.

"A word has not passed between Julia Gillard and myself since Friday night of January 20," Mr Wilkie told Sky News on Sunday.

"I would find it easier to work with Kevin Rudd than Julia Gillard at this point of time."

Mr Wilkie said he had a meeting of about 90 minutes with Mr Rudd in his Canberra office last November.

"We talked about a range of things, including the possibility of him coming back to the prime ministership," he said.

Mr Wilkie said there would be a challenge for the Labor leadership.

"I must confess for a while I thought it was media mischief until I had a 90-minute meeting with Kevin Rudd," Mr Wilkie said.

"Kevin clearly wants the job back. That is entirely understandable."

Mr Wilkie said he suspected that Mr Rudd could be successful in his challenge.

Among the topics discussed in the meeting, Mr Wilkie said Mr Rudd indicated a preference for the current parliament to run for its full-term.

An election for the House of Representatives is scheduled to be held by November 30, 2013.

"He indicated a preference for a parliament to go full term," Mr Wilkie said.

"He understands that is in the public interest."

Mr Wilkie said his view on a change of leadership in the Labor Party was different to fellow independent MP, Tony Windsor and Rob Oakeshott.

Mr Windsor and Mr Oakeshott both signed agreements with Ms Gillard following the 2010 election to ensure their support for the passage of money bills through the lower house.

"Both those men would much prefer Julia Gillard to stay as prime minister," he said.

"... I have been let down by Julia Gillard and I am quite open-minded about a change in leadership."

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