22 March 2013
As a result of the ALP’s leadership spill on 21 March, Chris Bowen, a long time supporter of Kevin Rudd, has resigned from Cabinet. Bowen told a media conference that, having voted for Rudd in the February 2012 leadership ballot and continue to prefer Rudd as Prime Minister, his continuing as a Minister in the Gillard government was untenable. This is a significant loss to the government. Bob Carr has told a media conference in Washington that Gillard has his “unqualified support”.
Prime Minister Gillard told ABC radio that she anticipates there will be a few more people considering their position:
They will do that. I will also consider the view as to what is best for the government over coming months, for the nation over coming months.
Other Rudd supporters in senior positions include Mental Health Minister Mark Butler, Resources Minister Martin Ferguson and Human Services Minister Kim Carr.
Tony Windsor says he is considering supporting the Coalition’s proposed no confidence motion after the Labor leadership “fiasco”.
