National
Rudd ends speculation of another tilt
I had zero chance of winning ballot: Rudd
Kevin Rudd has scotched any suggestions that he may try again for the Labor leadership, saying there are now ”no circumstances” under which he would return.
As Prime Minister Julia Gillard contemplated a major cabinet reshuffle after an exodus of ministers following Thursday’s leadership spill, Mr Rudd said through a spokesman on Friday that he had been consistent that he would not challenge for the leadership and that he would contest the next election as a local member of parliament.
”That position hasn’t changed,” the spokesman said in a statement.
”Furthermore, Mr Rudd wishes to make 100 per cent clear to all members of the parliamentary Labor Party, including his own supporters, that there are no circumstances under which he will return to the Labor Party leadership in the future.”
Mr Rudd refused to stand as a candidate for the leadership on Thursday after Ms Gillard caved into demands from frontbencher Simon Crean that a spill be called.
The ructions have caused several members of the party to resign their positions including Rudd supporters Tertiary Education Minister Chris Bowen, Human Services Minister Kim Carr and Resources Minister Martin Ferguson, who all quit the Gillard ministry on Friday.
Immediately following the spill on Thursday, Mr Rudd’s chief numbers man Joel Fitzgibbon, and his fellow whips Ed Husic and Janelle Saffin, all resigned their positions.
Mr Crean was sacked from his arts and regional Australia portfolio responsibilities after igniting the leadership spill.
Mr Rudd told reporters on Friday afternoon that he decided not to challenge Ms Gillard because it would have further divided the party.
He pledged his “100 per cent ” support for Ms Gillard and called on his colleagues to unite behind the Prime Minister.
“Our party needs to be united,” he said. “The time now is to bind up the wounds.”
Speaking to reporters in Bangalow, in northern NSW on Friday, Ms Gillard said Mr Rudd’s statement that he would not in any circumstances return to the Labor leadership laid the matter to rest.
”This issue is over and done with,” Ms Gillard said.
Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/opinion/political-news/rudd-ends-speculation-of-another-tilt-20130322-2gjn6.html#ixzz2OFl2xvVz
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