The latest act of political bloodletting in Australian politics has led to Kevin Rudd winning back the leadership of the ruling Labor party from Julia Gillard, prime minister, just 80 days before a national election.
Mr Rudd beat Ms Gillard in a leadership election she called in an attempt to end the bitter infighting that has divided the Labor party. The vote came three months before a national election when the party is expected to suffer a heavy defeat. Mr Rudd won the ballot of Labor MPs 57 to 45.
Ms Gillard’s dramatic decision to call a third leadership ballot came after Rudd supporters circulated a petition aimed at getting her to stand down.