Schedules cleared as Rudd finally makes his move on Gillard
Australian TV Networks are hastily rearranging their schedules to cover Kevin Rudd’s challenge for the Labour leadership this evening.
Stay tuned
The former Prime Minister’s supporters claim he has a majority of 55 votes from the caucus of 102 and will take the Labour leadership from Julia Gillard, although many doubt he will have the confidence of the House of Representatives.
A Rudd victory could force an unprecedented constitutional crisis and may trigger a Federal election ahead of the scheduled September vote. Insiders are claiming Rudd support is “growing”.
The Networld are clearing their schedules, with special coverage commencing at 7.30pm (AEST) on Channel Nine, after its regualr evening news slot. Channel 7 is going lve from Canberra straight through from 6.00pm.
The leadership spill occurs two days after Julia Gillard celebrated her third anniversary as Prime Minister.
The ballot will take place at 7.30pm (AEST).
“Today I am announcing that I will be a candidate for the position of leader of the Parliamentary Labour party,” Rudd said at a press conference.
“The truth is many, many MPs have requested me for a long, long tome to contest the leadership of the party because pf the parlous circumstances we now face.”