'I was loyal' - Gillard defends move to oust Rudd

Prime Minister Julia Gillard. Photo / Getty Images

Prime Minister Julia Gillard stands by her decision to topple Kevin Rudd, highlighting her loyalty to him as a deputy.

Backed by factional powerbrokers Ms Gillard mounted a challenge to Mr Rudd's leadership on Wednesday night after Labor's popularity took a dive at the polls following the announcement of the proposed resources super-profits tax.

Without the numbers to back him Mr Rudd did not challenge Ms Gillard for the leadership and she was installed as prime minister on Thursday.

Asked how it felt to have blood on her hands, the same question posed to Bob Hawke in 1983 after his involvement in the resignation of Labor leader Bill Hayden, Ms Gillard stood by her decision.

"I was a loyal deputy and I came to a decision about what was in the best interest of the nation, to get the government back on track," Ms Gillard told the Nine Network.

"I obviously stand by that decision, it's my decision."

The prime minister said she believed Labor had delivered good government but she had growing concerns about some of its directions.

It had become clear she had to step in last week.

"I believed as a loyal deputy is that what I could do was assist as a deputy," Ms Gillard said.

"It became clear to me that I needed to do more, that it was important that I did.

"I take the actions that I took last week, that I took control to get the government back on track."

- AAP