New Survey: Kevin Rudd is Preferred Prime Minister, But Tony Abbott Victory Looms Because of Coalition Expected Majority of 20 Seats in Election
Kevin Rudd risked further dividing the Australian Labor Party (ALP) when he made the leadership challenge to then Prime Minister Julia Gillard on Wednesday night. The reason he broke his promise not to dare Ms Gillard's leadership of the party is to improve Labor's chances of winning in the schedule Sept 14 election.
However, a new survey just right after the leadership spill, which saw the return of Mr Rudd to power, indicated it would not be an easy victory for ALP.
While Mr Rudd is the preferred prime minister 52-48 over Coalition leader Tony Abbott, according to the 7News Reachtell poll, the latter still stands a chance to be the 29th prime minister of Australia because of an expected majority of 20 seats.
Another survey made hours after the ALP caucus made by Morgan Poll showed that Labor improved by 5 points on a two-party vote, securing 49.5 per cent versus the Opposition's 50.5 per cent.
Even Mr Abbott acknowledged the impact of the ALP leadership change on his political ambition as he had improved his chances of winning with Ms Gillard as his opponent.
Home Affairs Minister Jason Clare believes the tides are turning in their favour even if it had further split the ALP with key ministers resigning.
"The Liberal party has been very cocky for three years; they weren't cocky yesterday ... They know now that the fight is on and there's a real competition at the next election," The Herald Sun quoted Mr Clare.
Opposition frontbencher Malcolm Turnbull admitted it would be a tight contest despite the division in the ALP.
"Whatever view you might have about Kevin Rudd and his appeal or non-appeal, politics is a team sport, it's a team business and the Labor team is not united, it's divided, it's bitterly divided and the animosities and antagonisms have been there for all to see," The Daily Telegraph quoted Mr Turnbull.
He insisted the only way to change the Australian government is to vote against Labor.
However, as shown by what happened to the ALP three years ago and on Wednesday night, no politician could afford to be complacent because a supporter today, like Work Relations Minister Bill Shorten, could be an opponent tomorrow.
