Rudd to challenge Gillard in party vote

Former Australian foreign minister Kevin Rudd on Friday said he will contest against Prime Minister Julia Gillard in Monday’s leadership vote, as the two bitter rivals sparred publicly escalating the row within the ruling Labor party.

“Rightly or wrongly, Gillard has lost the trust of the Australian people. And starting on Monday I want to start restoring that trust,” Rudd said, ending days of speculation about his intention to challenge the prime minister following his resignation on Wednesday.