Australian Foreign Minister Unexpectedly Steps Down

Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd announced his sudden resignation Wednesday, the latest move in what the BBC is calling "Sydney’s gripping political soap opera" between Rudd and Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

Rudd lost his position as Labor Party leader and prime minister to Gillard in June 2010 when she challenged him in a caucus ballot and he subsequently stepped down.

Australia's Herald Sun explains that Rudd's public explanation for his resignation was that he felt that he was unable to continue his work given his strained relationship with Gillard. For her part, Gillard expressed disappointment that Rudd did not raise such concerns with her in private before stepping down.

The BBC explains, however, that there is strong speculation that Rudd will now challenge Gillard for the prime minister post, and that he could win if the current polling data proves accurate. His supporters say he has the backing of 40 Labor caucus members, a number Gillard’s advisers dispute.

Writing in the Sydney Morning Herald, senior correspondent Daniel Flitton says the drama is ripping apart the Labor Party:

"One exasperated Labor MP told me this morning to see Labor's leadership battle was akin to watching an ugly, messy divorce. Everything built over the years by Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard since 2006 is being torn apart. What is hardest in any divorce is it forces the family to chose sides. ...

"What is hardest in any divorce is it forces the family to chose sides. Some in the caucus—though none with a marginal seat—would prefer to simply go to an election to have the people judge the party, and from there rebuild.

Trade Minister Craig Emerson will take on the foreign minister responsibilities until a permanent replacement is appointed.