Fed: Beazley throws leadership open to vote on Monday

AAP General News (Australia)
12-01-2006
Fed: Beazley throws leadership open to vote on Monday

KIM BEAZLEY has thrown his Labor leadership open to a vote on Monday .. in a bold move
to kill off speculation about his future.

Mr BEAZLEY's declared a spill of his entire frontbench .. following a fortnight of
pressure for him to stand aside in favour of Labor's foreign affairs spokesman .. KEVIN
RUDD.

Mr BEAZLEY says Mr RUDD approached him following a meeting of Labor's national executive
.. him and indicated he wanted a ballot in regard to the leadership position.

Mr BEAZLEY says he'll contest the ballot .. as he believes he has the experience to
lead the party and to be prime minister.







Mr BEAZLEY's leadership has been under scrutiny for a fortnight following a disappointing
poll and an embarrassing gaffe involving entertainer ROVE MCMANUS.

He's also been under pressure to reshuffle his frontbench to remove two shadow ministers
who have lost their preselection for next year's election.

MORE RTV mfh/sb/tm/rt

KEYWORD: LABOR BALLOT (CANBERRA)

2006 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.