Wednesday 22 February 2012

Rudd resigns as Foreign Minister; distraction for Queensland election

Kevin Rudd has resigned as Foreign Minister, saying the leadership wrangle is a distraction for the Queensland election.

''I will not be part of the leadership soap opera,'' Rudd told a news conference in Washington.

This will prevent Gillard's intention to sack the ''disloyal'' Minister.

''The refusal of the Prime Minister to repudiate criticisms by Simon Crean and other Labor figures means I do not feel I have the Prime Minster's support,'' Rudd said. ''The simple truth is that I cannot continue to serve as foreign minister if I do not have Prime Minister Gillard's support.''

The ABC has reported that he talk with his family and community then make a decision if he will run for the leadership role next week.

''I will not be involved in a stealth attack on a sitting prime minister and that the future of the ALP depended on removing the influence of factions within the party.''

''I also don't want any more distractions for my good friend and colleague in Queensland, Anna Bligh, who is in for the fight of her life,'' Kevin Rudd said.

''The [Federal] Government is heading towards defeat at the next election and must focus on who has the best chance of defeating Opposition Leader Tony Abbott. There is one overriding question for my caucus colleagues, and that is who is best placed to defeat Tony Abbott at the next election.''

3 comments:

Bryan Law said...

Go the K Rudd! You can count on my support and loyalty. Mate.

Anonymous said...

I think its time to call an early election for the people, not Labor's factions. I also think its time Labor candidates declared their factional loyalty when the stood, seeing as Labor appears to be about three parties all in one.

Mr Smith! said...

When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace