RUDD QUITS: I can't serve without Gillard's support' (Australia's Foreign Minister resigns)

Mr Rudd called an extraordinary media conference in Washington DC just after 1am local time, just hours after Cabinet minister Greg Combet declared "enough is enough" today as he and other top supporters of Julia Gillard called for an end to the ongoing leadership speculation.

The frustration within the ministry has made it more likely the Prime Minister will act when Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd, who is currently in Washington, returns to Australia on Sunday morning.

Australia's Foreign Minister has resigned in the middle of an official visit to the United States. He was meant to be meeting with your Defense Secretary later today (it is Wednesday in Washington now, isn't it) and with other senior Obama administration officials.

Yes, it’s just after 2am on Wednesday, 22 Feb 2012, in Washington (as I reply).

So if Rudd has resigned, no meetings, just return to Australia? Don’t you have an election coming up very soon down there, with Gillard in jeopardy? And her Foreign Minister resigns?

So if Rudd has resigned, no meetings, just return to Australia? Don't you have an election coming up very soon down there, with Gillard in jeopardy? And her Foreign Minister resigns?

Not due until late next year. Now in the US that might mean campaigning had already started, we would wait 18 months.

That's assuming the Gillard government doesn't lose the support of Parliament and is forced to an early election. Which neither Labor or their Greens/Independent coalition partners want.

The difference is in the long game.
Those government members in electorally safe seats believe they will be there after the election, losing badly doesen't bother them as they will be bigger fish in a smaller Opposition. In the meantime they want to enjoy the fruits of office as long as possible, so no early election, no rocking the boat, Jules stays.
Those in marginal seats expect to lose them, so would prefer a change in leadership in hope of a less severe defeat in which they might retain their seats. Because Labor did badly last election, there are few real marginal seats left, so this group is outnumbered by the Gillard supporters who don't want a election any time soon.

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