Julia Gillard has won this morning’s Labor leadership ballot 71 votes to 31, demonstrating she has the majority support of the Caucus. Kevin Rudd has confirmed he’ll move to the backbench and remain as Member for Griffith.
The results of this morning’s ballot have brought further confidence to the Gillard government.
“Once the votes were read out, there was a certain amount of relief on the faces of the members and senators,” Labor MP Chris Hayes said, according to ABC News.
“The mood was reasonably tense, as a result of the conclusion of the ballot. Most members are happy that this matter is now determined so they can get on with the role of the government,” Hayes added.
Both Gillard and Rudd addressed the meeting telling the Caucus what they would do as a result of their success.
“Mr Rudd made it very clear to Caucus that, depending on what the result was, he was happy to support and actually work towards a united Labor team,” Hayes said.
“Julia Gillard spoke about the advances that have been made in the course of the last 18 months in government,” he added.
In a press conference at 1:10 p.m. AEDT, Prime Minister Gillard told voters that the government is now looking at a planned cabinet reshuffle.
Gillard did not comment on who would be taking the place of Foreign Minister, however Craig Emerson would fill the position temporarily.
In another press conference made half an hour earlier, Rudd said he accepts the caucus’ decision.
“I accept the verdict of the caucus and I dedicated myself to working fully to her re-election as prime minister,” Rudd said.
Kevin Rudd confirmed he would stay on as the member for Griffith in Brisbane.
