Rudd to put leadership to caucus vote

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. Photo / Greg Bowker

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd says he will put his leadership to the vote in caucus on Thursday.

Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard had requested a leadership ballot, he said.

"I will be writing to the caucus to convene a special meeting at 9am tomorrow morning," Mr Rudd told reporters at a press conference in Canberra.

Mr Rudd said he was elected by the people of Australia as Prime Minister of Australia.

"I was elected to do a job," he said.

"I intend to continue doing that job."

Mr Rudd said he'd lost support from key members of the party during the last few weeks.

"It has become apparent to me in the course of the last period of time ... that a number of factional leaders in the Labor party no longer support my leadership," he said.

"That is why it is imperative this matter be resolved."

"I believe I am quite capable of winning this ballot tomorrow," Mr Rudd said.

The Prime Minister said it was important for the stability of the government and the party that the matter be resolved.

"It's far better for these things are done quickly rather than being strung out over a period of time," Mr Rudd said.

Mr Rudd said if he was returned as Labor leader and Prime Minister, he would send a clear message to the right faction.

"This party and this government will not be lurching to the right on the issue of asylum seekers," he said.

He also promised to move on the issue of climate change.

He conceded Labor had hit "heavy weather" in recent times.

"A few people have become a bit squeamish about that," he said.

But Mr Rudd said he was not squeamish and was committed to continuing his reform agenda.

Ms Gillard confirmed that she would be a candidate for the leadership.

- AAP