Aussie PM Says She Has Colleagues' Strong Support

Published February 21, 2012 2:00AM (EST)

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard says she still has enough support to lead the government despite growing speculation that Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd plans to seize power.

Gillard came to power in an internal coup within her Labor Party that ousted Rudd in June 2010. She became only the third prime minister since World War II to gain power in this way.

Speculation is mounting that Rudd supporters plan to restore him to power through a ballot of Labor lawmakers next week. But Gillard said Tuesday that Rudd doesn't have enough support to successfully challenge.

Rudd was in the United States on Tuesday and has repeatedly denied he plans to challenge Gillard for the party leadership.


By Salon Staff

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