Ed Husic with Kevin Rudd
YESTERDAY’S failed ALP leadership spill, which reconfirmed Julia Gillard as Prime Minister, has shown the divided loyalties of Blacktown’s two federal MPs.
Chifley MP Ed Husic — who supported former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd — said he had drawn the line in the sand and accepted the result.
“I urged him to run,’’ he said.
‘‘I told him if he did run, he would have my support.
‘‘I support his decision and the caucus decision yesterday.’’
Mr Husic has resigned as one of his party whips in the Federal Parliament for his action.
‘‘I do not blame Mr Rudd for refusing to contest for the party leadership as he had previously declared he would only accept the position if drafted by caucus.’’
Greenway MP Michelle Rowland — a Gillard supporter — said the event gave caucus a chance to reaffirm its support in the lead-up to the September election.
‘‘I only learnt about it after watching Mr Crean on Sky News at 2pm,’’ she said.
‘‘I know I hold a very marginal seat.
‘‘I’ll continue to work very hard for my electorate, come what may.’’
Ms Rowland holds the ALP’s most marginal NSW seat by 0.88 per cent — 1400 votes.
Recent polls have shown Mr Rudd is more popular than Ms Gillard in her electorate.
Based on recent polls which show her party and leader behind by more than 15 per points, she would lose to Liberal candidate Jayme Diaz.
Thursday’s drama led to the departure of five Labor MPs from their government posts, including Regional Affairs Minister Simon Crean, who was dumped from the ministry after calling for a spill of leadership positions and a switch back to Mr Rudd as prime minister.