Banks MP Daryl Melham will support Prime Minister Julia Gillard in the leadership ballot which will be held at 10am on Monday.
‘‘In my 22 years in Parliament I have always supported the leader of the Labor Party, and I will continue to do so,’’ he said.
Mr Melham intended to vote for Kevin Rudd when he was dumped by the party in favour of Ms Gillard, but it did not come to a vote.
As chairman of the ALP caucus, it was his job to convene Monday’s meeting after the Prime Minister announced the formal ballot.
Former federal attorney general and Barton MP Robert McClelland said last night that he had talks with Kevin Rudd yesterday and indicated he would encourage his challenge for the leadership.
He said Rudd was the best person equipped to win an election.
"He was the first person to win in opposition for 17 years and he has public support,’’ Mr McClelland said."
In response to recent criticism of Kevin Rudd's style, Mr McClelland said there ‘‘was no doubt he was a hard worker ... and a stickler for detail on policy, but I think that led to better policy outcomes."
The Labor leadership battle follows Kevin Rudd resigning last night from his post as Foreign Affairs Minister, saying he had lost the confidence of Prime Minister Julia Gillard. Ms Gillard announced a formal leadership ballot will now take place at 10am on Monday.
What do you think about the ballot? Would you support Gillard or Rudd?
The Labor leadership battle follows Kevin Rudd resigning last night from his post as Foreign Affairs Minister, saying he had lost the confidence of Prime Minister Julia Gillard. Ms Gillard announced a formal leadership ballot will now take place at 10am on Monday.
What do you think about the ballot? Would you support Gillard or Rudd?
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