I'll make a prediction. If Julia wins and goes to an early election, Labor will romp home.

I don't think Rudd can hold the position much longer.

If he does win this time, then it is only a matter of time before the position is contested again.

Maybe it is best for the party if Julia wins.



Edit



After hours of crisis meetings last night Mr Rudd emerged just after 10:00pm AEST to announce that Ms Gillard had challenged him to a ballot and that he would also stand.



Some tried to convince Mr Rudd not to stand in the ballot but their push was ignored.



As the numbers were being frantically counted ahead of the ballot at 9:00am AEST, the ABC understands Ms Gillard had secured more than 70 votes, while Mr Rudd had just 30.



Supporters for Mr Rudd disputed the size of the margin, but acknowledged that Ms Gillard will take over as Prime Minister.



This morning Ms Gillard's supporters told the ABC there was a push to get Mr Rudd not to contest the vote.

[url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/06/24/2935500.htm?section=justin]Source[/url]

I wonder if Kevin will stand, a bit embarrassing, he may not decide to go to a vote.

Our first lady Prime Minister, Julia Gillard. What a monumental day this is.

Rudd's ego made the decision for him to not stand. 4 big questions

now. How much will she water down the mining super tax? How far

will she drag the carbon tax forward? What will she do about the

asylum seekers & will she call an early election, or wait until March?

I think she has a good chance at the coming election, if she can just

win the woman voters over. I always find it interesting that, in general

terms, women will never support a woman.

As I said before Innes, with Julia as leader, Labor will romp home at the next election.

Are you there PB? Looks like you will get your wish - I don't think the mad monk is going to become Prime Minister after all.

Very interesting toot2000. I am inclined to think that she will wait until

next year, but I believe she will win by the skin of her teeth. Of course,

a lot depends on the polling of the Greens. They could decide to have a

real go at some Lower House Seats, in which case they will be having

a real think about their preferences. Bear in mind, that if the Greens

don't give Labor their preferences, Labor will be routed.

with Julia as leader, Labor will romp home at the next election.



I dont think so and before I'm attacked again, its not a gender thing.



Gillard being one of the 'gang of four' is equally responsible for Labor's poor policy and poor showing in the polls, and among those not blinded by stupidity or bias.



The BER will come back to bite her (cant say where) because she was a negligent as that dimwit Garrett in the failed insulation debacle. Talk-back radio is running hot with people -- presumably Rudd fans who dislike the way he was shafted by the faction bosses, who actually RUN the Labor party, and blame Gillard for being pushed into the PM's job to presumably save all their necks.



I wonder if her and her boyfriend will shack up in the Lodge?

Yes Innes, the Greens will be an important factor but just think of all the women voters Julia will pick up now, it seems women didn't like Tony at all.

Tanwin, I think you are wrong about Peter Garrett, I know I was. It was proved that Garrett pleaded with the Prime Minister to do something several times and it's all in writing, but he sacked him so he would look good. To his credit, he kept his mouth tightly shut and wore the hatred of a nation. Peter couldn't vote today because he's not in the country but he said that he would definitely be voting for Julia if he could. Any wonder, what Rudd did to him was unforgiveable I think.

but just think of all the women voters Julia will pick up now



This I also doubt, from what Ive heard on talk-back radio, and several emails they read out on TV this morning, women just dont like or trust her. She wont be the first woman in politics to crash and burn because of ambition.



Just think how much humble pie she is going to have to eat satisfying the faction chiefs, who got her there, by promoting them.

Tanwin, I thought that like me, you would be proud that a woman has broken through the glass ceiling to the highest office in the land, if for no other reason than this, I think she deserves our respect.

I couldn't care Toot2k what gender the PM is and respect is something EARNT not bestowed on someone willy nilly.



I will be just as severe with my criticisms of Gillard when she stuffs up because she brings 'baggage' (BER etc) into the job. Unless they now intend to lay all the blame on Rudd