Kevin Rudd has announced that he will not run for the prime minister in a lLeadersip spill this afternoon.
The former prime minister madethe declaration at a press conference at Parliament House at 4.20pm AEDT.
Mr Rudd referenced a promise he made not to run again following his failed bid in February last year.
“I will be adhering absolutely tothe statement that I gavethe Australian people and parliamentary colleagues,” he said.
“I take my word seriously. “Itherefore suggest to all and sunder acrossthe party andthe government that we unite and ensure that Tony Abbott does not simply walk intothe Lodge as if it'’s his own personal property.”
Leader ofthe House Anthony Albanese said shortly afterwards that Julia Gillard would remain as prime minister afterthe 4.30pm caucus meeting.
“I have been pretty consistent in terms of my views ofthe Labor party lLeadersip, most importantlythe way thatthe Labor party conducts itself,” he said.
“I restated my view again that I will never support a spill motion against a sitting Labor prime minister. “Julia Gillard will remain prime minister after this meeting.” More to come. – ninemsn
