Another day, another wrap. Let's look back at another extraordinary day.
1. Kevin Rudd has declared there are no circumstances under which he will return to the leadership of the Labor Party;
2. Prime Minister Julia Gillard has declared the leadership battle is ''over'';
3. But it has had significant casualties - Kim Carr, Martin Ferguson, Chris Bowen, Joel Fitzgibbon, Ed Husic, Janelle Saffin, Richard Marles and Simon Crean - either stood down or were sacked;
4. This means the ministerial reshuffle - expected next week - will be significant.
5. Next stops - the budget on May 14 and the election on September 14.
Thanks again to everyone's interest and contributions.
As usual, Andrew Meares and Alex Ellinghausen make this blog come alive.See you soon.
Mr Rudd: "The key thing is the values for which we stand as a movement....We stand for a strong Australia, a fair Australia."
And with that, he had to "zip".
(Yes, he did end with that.)
Mr Rudd says he was not expecting the "spontaneous combustion" of Simon Crean's move yesterday.
Mr Rudd: "Now for the future. It's time for the Australian Labor Party to unite under Prime Minister Julia Gillard."
"It is time for us to confront a threat to Australia's future - Tony Abbott."
"For myself, the Prime Minister Julia Gillard has my 100 per cent support."
"There are no circumstances under which I will return to the leadership of the Australian Labor Party."
Mr Rudd says he will contest the next election.
Mr Rudd is also paying tribute to Martin Ferguson, Kim Carr and Richard Marles.
Joel Fitzgibbon has demonstrated "extraordinay pastoral care" for MPs across political parties, he says.
He has kind words for Ed Husic and Janelle Saffin.
Mr Rudd says the people who have resigned are people of "extraordinary ability."
Chris Bowen is a great talent, Mr Rudd says, and "in him I see a future prime minister of Australia."
Mr Rudd says the advice he received was that there was "zero" chance of him having a majority.
Mr Rudd says "there is no point in inheriting a disunited party."
"Following Mr Crean's surprise statement it became clear there was no significant majority, in fact there was no majority at all. The notion of a draft was not in reality there."
Mr Rudd says it would have "split the party down the middle" had he run.
Kevin Rudd: "In political life we live by our word, we live by whether we honour our word."
Mr Rudd says since last February's ballot he has repeatedly said he would not challenge.
"I believe in honouring my word."
Had he done otherwise, he says, he would have been "quite rightly attacked" for a loss of credibility.
The Prime Minister has put out a statement regarding the resignation of Mr Ferguson.
It is very similar to the one she made for Mr Bowen.
Ms Gillard thanked Mr Ferguson for his work and noted that his decision was "honourable".
Senator Carr says he won't make an estimate of how the vote would have gone other than to say it was very close.
He refuses to say anything of the comments of the other Senator Carr - the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Bob Carr - other than to say "very little in this business surprises me".
And that's it for Senator Kim Carr.
Kim Carr resigns from the ministry during a press conference in Canberra Photo: Andrew Meares
Senator Carr is defending Mr Rudd's style as prime minister.
"Even some of the most unusual ideas were endorsed and encouraged."
Senator Carr says "27 polls in a row" showed Labor was behind.
It doesn't take a "great scholar" to work out Labor is in trouble, he says.
Kim Carr speaks to the media at a press conference at Parliament House Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
Senator Carr says he understands why the public is interested in the "funny, little ways" of the Labor Party.
"I have got a right and an obligation to do the right thing by Labor."
He predicts there will be a Royal Commission into unions if Tony Abbott is elected prime minister.
Kim Carr resigns from the ministry during a press conference Photo: Andrew Meares
Senator Carr says he advised Mr Rudd not to run.
"The numbers were very, very close. Don't listen to the nonsense being spoken to the contrary. The fact is there was not a majority there. Simon Crean did a very courageous thing but no one followed it."
"The worst result for Labor was for there to be a narrow loss for Kevin. It would have been the worst of all possible circumstances for all of us."
Senator Carr: "It is my fervent hope that Labor can revive itself and its fortunes."
"When there is a strong Labor Party there is a strong Australia."
"I never write the Labor Party off, never, but I solemnly believed that Kevin offered the best opportunity."
Kim Carr speaks to the media at a press conference Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
Senator Carr: "It is no secret that in late 2011 I was profoundly disappointed when the Prime Minister demoted me from cabinet."
Senator Carr says he remained in the ministry at the request of the Prime Minister.
Kim Carr is also resigning: "I want to make it perfectly clear that I have not made this decision lightly."
"In the past 13 months it has been a privilege to lead the 36,000 strong human services portfolio."
And then we'll be hearing from Kevin Rudd at 4.15.
Next up - in about 20 minutes time - is the Minister for Human Services and Rudd supporter Kim Carr.
And that's it from Mr Ferguson.
In a ministerial and press conference sense.
Martin Ferguson and his wife Patricia leave the press conference Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
Mr Ferguson says he is worried that unless people pull together Labor will be headed for the situation it was in after the 1996 election when it was left with 49 MPs.
Mr Ferguson smiles when asked for his views on the Greens.
He says he's never criticised any individual in public.
Martin Ferguson resigns from the ministry during a press conference in Canberra Photo: Andrew Meares
Mr Ferguson is critical of the decision to take away from caucus the right to choose the front bench.
He says it makes people scared to speak out lest they jeopardise their careers.
Mr Ferguson defends the mining tax and says it is "working the way it was intended."
Mr Ferguson: "The modern Labor Party and the modern trade union movement should appeal to all Australians."
Martin Ferguson during a press conference in Canberra Photo: Andrew Meares
Mr Ferguson: "The class warfare that started the mining war of 2010 must cease."
He says it will be "very easy" for Labor to regain momentum as it heads towards the election "if there is a will."
"There's an opportunity for a fresh start."
"Let's just go forward and try and pull this party together.....in essence, create a new Labor Party as Hawke and Keating did."
Martin Ferguson speaks to the media during a press conference at Parliament House Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
Mr Ferguson says he discussed his decision with very few people.
He says once he made the decision he sat down ad read his first speech to parliament and remembered his father who left school at 13, became a brick layer and went on to become deputy premier of NSW.
Mr Ferguson: "I want to say to the Labor movement - thanks for the opportunity."
Mr Ferguson is thanking his staff, department and family.
"I have lived out of suitcase for 17 years," Mr Ferguson says.
"I wonder what I'm going to do as of today, I've never had spare time in my life."
Mr Ferguson says he will go to the backbench and recontest the next election.
"I don't believe in by-elections."
Martin Ferguson speaks to the media during a press conference at Parliament House Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
Mr Ferguson: "There is a Labor movement that should continue.
"Reclaim the legacy of the Hawke and Keating governments, of being a reforming government, of being a government that governs for all Australia."
Mr Ferguson says he hopes the party learns from the experiences negotiating the mining tax.
"You don't have to agree but you have to consult."
Martin Ferguson resigns from the ministry during a press conference in Canberra Photo: Andrew Meares
Mr Ferguson is listing his career triumphs - president of the ACTU and serving on the front bench for so long.
Mr Ferguson says one of his great regrets is that Kim Beazley was never prime minister.
Mr Ferguson is stepping down: "I have a view it's the only honourable thing to do."
"I would have voted for Kevin Rudd yesterday and Simon Crean to try and restart this party."
"The caucus has made a decision. I accept that."
"It is therefore appropriate that the prime minister and Labor Party are given the best available opportunity to regain the ability to reform."
The Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson, will hold a press conference in about 20 minutes.
Bit of a surprise.
Ms Gillard is asked for her advice to women in leadership positions.
"I would say - always remember what's important about being there. It's very important to have a strong sense of yourself. Don't be buffetted by other people's opinions."
The PM says she will consider the new ministerial line up "over the coming days".
The PM says of Mr Rudd's statement earlier today: "I have seen the media reports of the statement and I think it reflects the reality."
"This issue is over and done with. This issue has been resolved for all time and I think Kevin's statement reflects that."
The PM is being asked about investment in roads funding.
The Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, is just beginning her press conference with Justine Elliot, the member for Richmond.
Ms Gillard is speaking at Bangalow.
The Victorian Premier, Denis Napthine, says there are no parallels between yesterday's events and Victoria's own sudden leadership change a fortnight ago.
"In my entire career in government, I've never seen anything like it," Dr Napthine says.
"The situation between Victoria and the federal government is like chalk and cheese. I was elected with the full support of the party and Baillieu stood down for a smooth transition."
Dr Napthine was elected unopposed on the evening of March 6, when former premier Ted Baillieu resigned after weeks of speculation about his poor performance in the polls.
Friends in high places.
Businessman James Packer, Deputy Opposition Leader Julie Bishop and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott at the address to the Menzies Research Centre Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
The leader of the Opposition, Tony Abbott, has also been out and about this morning.
He has rejected the idea that the Labor Party's internal shenanigans will benefit him.
"It's not about me," Mr Abbott said earlier this morning.
"It's just got to be about the Australian people. You see the prime minister is focussed on herself and survival. She's not focussed on the national interest."
Mr Abbott will move a motion of no confidence when Parliament next sits (which is not until May 14 for the budget).
Mr Abbott repeated his call for an election to be held now.
Opposition Leader Tony Abbott speaks to the media after his address to the Menzies Research Centre Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
Another great picture, this time from Alex Ellinghausen.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard and her Communications Director John McTernan depart The Lodge, Canberra Photo: Alex Ellinghausen / Fairfax
The only utterance from Kevin Rudd is on his home page where he has posted a statement from a spokesperson.
"Mr Rudd has said consistently over the last 12 months that he would not challenge for the Labor leadership and that he would contest the next election as a local member of Parliament at the next election. That position has not changed."
"Furthermore, Mr Rudd wishes to make 100 per cent clear to all members of the parliamentary Labor Party, including his own supporters, that there are no circumstances under which he will return to the Labor Party leadership in the future."
Labor MP Kevin Rudd emerges from caucus after the leadership ballot yesterday Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
I think we can assume that means hard hats or high viz vests - or possibly even both - may be involved.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard boards her RAAF VIP jet with Communications Director John McTernan and an AFP officer at Defence Establishment Fairbairn in Canberra Photo: Andrew Meares
Ms Gillard will be inspecting a road, according to her office, at about lunchtime.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard boards her RAAF VIP jet with Communications Director John McTernan and her AFP officer at Defence Establishment Fairbairn in Canberra Photo: Andrew Meares
Ms Gillard is believed to be heading north, possibly in search of some sunnier skies.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard boards her RAAF VIP jet at Defence Establishment Fairbairn in Canberra Photo: Andrew Meares
Photographer extraordinaire Andrew Meares has taken these exclusive pictures of the Prime Minister leaving Canberra.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard boards her RAAF VIP jet at Defence Establishment Fairbairn in Canberra Photo: Andrew Meares
The Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, has done some radio interviews this morning in which she said she was "a bit surprised, given all the build up, that Kevin [Rudd] didn't stand".
"But having chosen not to stand does underline that this is definitely over."
"I think is anybody wanders into a journalist's office in the future from the Labor Party claiming to have a numbers sheet they will be met with gales of laughter. This is over."
A spokesperson for the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, has issued this statement in relation to the resignation of Mr Bowen from the ministry.
"The Prime Minister thanked Mr Bowen for his contribution to the Ministry and particularly for his service in the Immigration portfolio."
"The Prime Minister also acknowledges his conduct in offering his resignation was honourable."
Prime Minister Julia Gillard makes a short statement after winning the leadership ballot Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
Before things starting moving quickly again I must clarify and issue a mea culpa over something I published yesterday.
I published what I took to be a tweet from Labor MP Rob Mitchell which I subsequently discovered was from a fake account.
It was shortly before the ballot-that-wasn't took place. When I realised my mistake I removed the post.
Mr Mitchell's office believe "mischief" was afoot among Coalition MPs.
I apologise to Mr Mitchell. Fast pacing news isn't an excuse for being taken in.
Labor MP Rob Mitchell Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
Lenore Taylor says the events weren't even a farce but an "Attack of the Killer Tomatoes comedy horror show".
Chief political correspondent Mark Kenny has this wrap on the day that was.
Mark points out that the Prime Minister won the battle but now faces a long war to rebuild Labor's credibility.
The Sydney Morning Herald's political editor, Peter Hartcher, says the only winner out of yesterday was Tony Abbott.
Let's start with The Age's political editor Michael Gordon who writes that yesterday's events did nothing to dampen the perception that the Labor Party excels as "Keystone Cops amateurism".
Wow - I don't know about you but I need a coffee and a bit of context.
While you go and get a coffee I'll post some links to analysis about the madness of yesterday.
Bob Carr: "Australians want to see the Labor Party close ranks.....Australians want to see their party unite.....and see the Prime Minister has emerged stronger not weaker."
Bob Carr: "She's renewed and reaffirmed her leadership. The Labor Party has got to put behind it this period of leadership speculation."
"It's been an irritant."
"We've got to give heart and encouragement to the supporters of the party who want a united ALP."
Senator Carr says it was "unnecessary" for Mr Bowen to resign but says he can understand why he did it.
Our US correspondent, Nick O'Malley, has confirmed the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Bob Carr, is on his way to ambassador Kim Beazley's residence in Washington D.C. to hold a press conference.
Breaking news reporter Jonathan Swan has this update on how many people have now resigned or been sacked in the wake of yesterday's leadership stoush.
In summary, Chris Bowen, Ed Husic, Janelle Saffin and Richard Marles resigned from their positions.
Mr Crean was sacked and Mr Fitzgibbon has indicated he will resign.
So - to sum that up - Chris Bowen has resigned his position in the ministry but will stay in Parliament and recontest his seat at the election.
Mr Bowen says the party must now unite and that the issue of leadership has been resolved.
"The Labor Party, like every other party, has to unite and accept the decision of the party."
Chris Bowen resigns as a minister during a press conference Photo: Andrew Meares
Mr Bowen says he won't discuss the conversations that were going on in the lead up to yesterday's ballot.
"Don't bother ringing me up afterwards for off the record conversations because there won't be any."
Mr Bowen says he thinks Simon Crean was courageous in his actions.
"He took a big risk and paid a big sacrifice."
Mr Bowen says the leadership battle is now over.
"The Labor Party has had two opportunities. They haven't taken them up."
"This matter is finished and I believe that to be the view of all of us who supported Kevin and I believe that to be Kevin's view as well."
"This is a very tough election and the odds are against us. We're the underdogs. No election is unloseable."
Chris Bowen resigns as a minister during a press conference Photo: Andrew Meares
Mr Bowen is asked if Kevin Rudd should leave politics.
"That's entirely a matter for him. He has a lot to offer Australia in any capacity."
Chris Bowen during a press conference at Parliament House Photo: Andrew Meares
Mr Bowen: "We all knew the conditions under which he would contest the ballot....We are all grown ups in this building."
"The Labor Party would have done well to return him to the leadership. The party took a different view hence my decision today."
Mr Bowen says he is not disappointed Mr Rudd did not run.
"He did the right thing...We advised him the ballot would be close, very close. We said any ballot that was close would not resolve the issue of leadership and he did not want to do that to the Labor Party. I think Kevin did the right and decent thing in not contesting the vote."
Mr Bowen is being asked if Mr Rudd took people's loyalty for granted and "played them for fools".
Mr Bowen says he "completely rejects that".
Mr Bowen is paying tribute to his staff and family.
He thanks his wife, Rebecca, who rates all his press conferences - "she's a pretty hard marker."
"My litte treasures, Grace and Max....who think everyone's dad goes to sit in the green room in Canberra."
Mr Bowen says politics means you don't get to see your children very much but "I hope they will be proud of me today."
Mr Bowen will recontest his seat of McMahon (western Sydney) at the election.
"I will fight hard....and I will win it."
Chris Bowen: "A strong Labor Party is vital for the future of Australia."
Mr Bowen says the Greens believe in opportunity not growth while the Opposition believes in growth but not opportunity.
"We're the only party that believes in both."
"If the Labor Party isn't strong who's going to care about the kids from western Sydney and Weipa and giving them the best chance in life?"
Chris Bowen thanks Mr Rudd for appointing him to the Cabinet and thanks the Prime Minister for keeping him there.
"For two and a half years I was minister for immigration....I discussed with many of you the highs and lows. It was a controversial job. Not many people wake up in the morning and say "Geez the Immigration Minister is doing a good job'."
Chris Bowen: "This is what I regard as an appropriate and honourable decision for me."
He says he will leave it to other ministers who supported Mr Rudd to make their own decisions.
Chris Bowen: "25 years ago I joined the ALP. Every day since then I've done what I thought was in the best interests of the Labor Party. Always."
Mr Bowen says he took the "difficult decision" that supporting Mr Rudd was the best option for Australia.
"Last night I decided to resign....I informed the Prime Minister this morning."
Chris Bowen was one of Mr Rudd's most senior supporters. He was often talked about as the person most likely to become treasurer should Mr Rudd regain the prime ministership.
He was minister for immigration but was made minister for tertiary education in the February reshuffle.
While it was certainly a more junior position there are not many people who are not glad to be released from the immigration portfolio which is widely seen as one of the most gruelling and emotionally taxing jobs in government.
The wash up continues. Key Rudd supporter and Cabinet minister Chris Bowen is about to announce his resignation. Join us for our live coverage of federal politics.
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