Kevin Rudd’s return as Prime Minister was welcomed enthusiastically by Labor politicians in St George.
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‘‘Remember, it all started at Hurstville,’’ Labor candidate for Barton, Steve McMahon, messaged within minutes of the ballot.
Mr McMahon said the scenes of Mr Rudd being mobbed in Forest Road a fortnight ago were ‘‘the spark’’ for him toppling Julia Gillard, 57-45 votes, in the leadership ballot last night.
Barton MP Robert McClelland, who was dumped from the ministry by Ms Gillard after supporting Mr Rudd previously, said the leadership change was ‘‘‘unquestionably the best thing for the Labor Party, and ultimately the country’’.
‘‘In one sense, I have some personal satisfaction in that I have been trying to achieve that outcome for some time,’’ McClelland said.
Banks MP Daryl Melham, who voted for Ms Gillard because he always supported the incumbent leader, said the large Chinese community in his electorate, with whom the Mandarin-speaking Mr Rudd had ‘‘an affinity,’’ would be delighted.
More in the Leader, Tuesday.