Rudd resigns as foreign minister

22 Feb 2012, 6:52 pm   -   Source: AAP
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Kevin Rudd has resigned as foreign minister in a press conference in Washington, saying he can no longer serve without the support of Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

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Kevin Rudd has resigned as foreign minister and is expected to challenge Julia Gillard for the prime ministership as early as next week.

The former Labor leader, who is overseas but will return to his home city of Brisbane on Friday, said he would consult his family and colleagues before making his final decision and heading to Canberra for the next federal parliamentary sitting.

Mr Rudd made the surprise announcement at a late-night press conference in Washington on Wednesday, saying he could not continue as foreign minister because he no longer had the confidence of Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

He said there were "similar factors at play" in June 2010 when he lost the prime ministership to Ms Gillard.

"It's time for some plain speaking on this," Mr Rudd told reporters at the 1am (US time) media conference in Washington DC.

"The truth is, I can only serve as foreign minister if I have the confidence of Prime Minister Gillard and her senior ministers.

Frontbencher Simon Crean and "a number of other faceless men" had publicly attacked his integrity and fitness to serve as a minister in the government, he said.

"When challenged today on these attacks Prime Minister Gillard chose not to repudiate them," Mr Rudd added.

"I can only reluctantly conclude that she therefore shares these views."

Mr Rudd said the Australian people regarded the continuing speculation as little more than a soap opera.

"They are right," he said. "Under the current circumstances, I won't be a part of it."

It would also be distracting for the government for him to continue in the job, Mr Rudd said.

The foreign minister said he was sad to leave the job. "The simple truth is I cannot continue to serve as foreign minister if I do not have Prime Minister Gillard's support," he said.

"I therefore believe the only honourable thing, and the only honourable course of action, is for me to resign."

Mr Rudd also took aim at Labor's factions and those who helped Ms Gillard into power.

"I promise you this - there is no way, no way, that I will ever be part of a stealth attack on a sitting prime minister elected by the people," he said. "We all know that what happened then was wrong, and it must never happen again."

It was now up to caucus to decide on the federal party's leadership. "There is one overriding question for my caucus colleagues, and that is who is best placed to defeat Tony Abbott at the next election," Mr Rudd said.

"Mr Abbott, I believe, does not have the temperament or the experience to ever be elected to hold the high office of prime minister of Australia. "But at present and for a long time now he has been on track just to do that."

The Queensland MP said the leadership speculation was also harming Queensland Premier Anna Bligh's chances of winning the March 24 state election. Mr Rudd's daughter Jessica tweeted: "Effing proud of you, Dad xxxx".

His wife Therese Rein responded: "Me too, Kevin xxxx". Earlier in the day, Industry Minister Greg Combet called for the leadership issue to be resolved as soon as possible.

"Enough is enough. It is time this matter is resolved," Mr Combet said.

Ms Gillard earlier on Wednesday declined to comment on reports she planned to call a leadership spill next week and remove Mr Rudd as a minister if she won.

As of Wednesday afternoon it was understood Mr Rudd could bank on the support of between 30 and 35 caucus members in a ballot, while Ms Gillard had about two-thirds of the caucus on her side.

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott says the resignation of Rudd confirms that the government is unworthy to continue in office.

"Kevin Rudd has confirmed two things - that the faceless men are running the Labor Party and that the instability at the top of this government is damaging our country," Mr Abbott said in a statement.

"Kevin Rudd's statement tonight confirms that this government is unworthy to continue in office."

Mr Abbott said only the coalition can provide the strong and stable government that will address the issues facing our country and restore hope, reward and opportunity for all Australians.

Rudd

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mr t

mr t - from perth, 1 year

1 down, now lets get shut of the rest

Is this what we need?

Wynda - from Melbourne, 1 year

Do we need anymore of this silly fighting over the PM chair? The Labor party needs to sort themselves out, this is ridiculous! While other's govs r trying to help their people to recover from the economic crisis, ours is wasting the tax payer's money for this stupid fight! I don't like Tony Abbott but have to agree with him how this has made Australia look like an idiot to other nations!

Come-back-Kid!

Zee - from Cremorne, 1 year

Better to keep your job under a leader you may not necessarily like (Kevin) than not to have a job at all!!! If caucus ignores the electorates wishes we will have the last laugh at the elections. Bring back Kevin

Cartoon characters

Linda - from Canberra, 1 year

What a joke!!! These two both need to stand down and stop playing their playground antics. What a role model they are to our young generation - "I'm better than you are" - where is team work, loyalty and respect!!! - move aside both of you and let someone who DOES care about the Australian people run the country!

We DID vote for Julia

Kev - from Noraville, 1 year

Gosh people have short memories, yes Julia took Rudd's place but there WAS an election after this where people were free to vote for whatever party they choose. The people DID vote for Julia! Julia has been a competent leader, not really a stand out PM but certainly not the worst in history, Menzies and Holt come to mind. Her logic in changing her mind on the carbon tax was rational, when new information comes to light u don't just stick your head in the sand u deal with the issue. A pollution tax "and that is what this is" is something all nations should be adopting. Julia is unfortunately the victim of one of the most viscous mud slinging campaigns in Australian history.

Go Rudd

San - from Perth, 1 year

The YouTube video of Rudd and his resignation only gives him more support around Australia !! I hope you get the top seat once again.....we never realize what we have until we lose it !! GO RUDD !!!!

Go Kev

EG - from Melbourne, 1 year

We the people, voted for Kevin!! Julia, take your caucus and your faceless men and get lost!! Maybe if you stood aside gracefully, you might get the education portfolio!! I think a lot of people are sick of your blatant lies and the disdain you show for the Australian people

Kevin only hope of beating Abbot

Bob - from Sydney, 1 year

Its simple Kevin is elected leader and Labor will win the next election comfortably. Abbot will slay Gillard if Rudd is not immediatly instated. Rudd has some integrity. Julia just bends over backwards for Us and Israel

Righting the wrong

Glen - from Sydney, 1 year

It's about time Rudd tried to take back what was his. We elected him, then Gillard took it away. Go Kev!

Have we forgotten so soon

Afrikaba - from Sydney, 1 year

A short 18 months ago, the whole of Australia was cursing Rudd, and Labor was sinking and sinking. It took the so-called faceless men to rescue the ALP. Gillard is on the nose because she leads a minority govt which is very alien to Australia. Rudd, Abbott, Turnbull or whoever would face similar problems in a minority govt. Please, give this woman a go! The decline in ALP fortunes started under Rudd. He owns 80% of the current problem avter he was given a huge mandate. He squandered it all.

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