Rudd quits as Foreign Minister

Kevin Rudd has resigned as Foreign Minister, saying he will not be part of the leadership "soap opera" and heading off any move to sack him. The former prime minister called a late-night press conference in Washington DC to announce his decision. He says the refusal of Julia Gillard to repudiate criticisms by Simon Crean and other Labor figures means he does not feel he has the Prime Minster's support. While Mr Rudd did not say he would challenge for the leadership, he said he would consult with his family and community before making an announcement about his future before the return of Parliament next week. He said he would not be involved in a "stealth attack on a sitting prime minister" and that the future of the ALP depended on removing the influence of factions within the party.