Labor leader Kevin Rudd has conceded defeat in the federal election – and has quit the Labor leadership.
“There comes a time when you know that you’ve given it your all and the time for the party to further renew its leadership for the future,” he told his election night party at the Gabba in Brisbane.
“For me that time is now.”
He said the Australian people deserved a fresh start with Labor’s leadership.
“My responsibility has been to maintain Labor as a fighting force for the future so that we can unite behind the next leader of our party.”
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In conceding defeat he congratulated Liberal leader Tony Abbott and wished him well.
“My fellow Australians, my fellow Queenslanders and fellow members of the great Australian Labor Party,” he said.
“Today we have fought the good fight as the great Australian Labor Party.
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“Tonight is the time to unite as the great Australian nation, because whatever our politics may be, we are all first and foremost Australian.”
Rudd said he had telephoned Abbott a short time ago.
“As prime minister of Australia I wish him well now in the high office as prime minister of this country,” Rudd said.
He also wished Abbott, his wife Margie and entire family, all the best in the “high strain” lifestyle that accompanies the leader of the country.
Rudd and wife Therese Rein looked forward to greeting Mr and Mrs Abbott at the Lodge next week, as John Howard had welcomed him when Rudd first became prime minister in 2007.
“I also wish his government well for the great and difficult challenges that now lie ahead for Australia,” Rudd said.
He then directly addressed Labor supporters across the country and supporters in the room at the ALP function at the Gabba cricket ground started a loud “Kevin Kevin Kevin” chant.
“Gee, a couple more days and we might have got there,” he said in response.
Rudd said he knew the hearts of Labor supporters were heavy and he took full responsibility for Labor’s loss.
“I gave it my all, but it was not enough for us to win,” he said.
Rudd said despite the “prophets of doom”, Labor had remained a viable fighting force for the future and retained all its seats in Queensland and all cabinet ministers.
