Beazley Brings It On

News has just come through that Kim Beazley has called a leadership ballot for next Monday, following increasing threats of a formal leadership challenge by supporters of Kevin Rudd. A ballot has also been called for the entire front bench, satisfying rumblings that some frontbenchers, particularly those who won't be contesting the next election, should step down in order to lock in the best team.

Though most sources are describing Rudd as being `uncharacteristically quiet', he has always known when to keep his head down. However, not making his regular slot on Sunrise is not only significant, but it may be deliberately significant. It's one thing to send out `No Comment' to the Oz, but another to absent himself from his main source of communication with the ordinary public.

It has been reported that Rudd's supporters, who have been growing in number - some out of genuine zeal, others out of reluctant resignation - were pushing for a formal spill before Christmas. Beazley's move is evidently designed not only to hose down the situation but resolve it on his own terms. You could interpret it as an affirmation that he has the numbers, but this is by no means certain - and let's not forget that his predecessor was elected on a single vote.

I don't know if this is the right move or not. As I said, some of Rudd's new supporters are openly admitting their support is based on a position of default. Is that the sort of sentiment which a leader who is supposed to win the next election should inspire?

Monday's ballot could mark a new affirmation for Beazley's leadership, but it could also repressent a new phase for the ALP.