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“Political careers end in tears.” So says political editor Laurie Oakes. Went to bed having watched the fighting speech from Kevin Rudd. Woke up to watch the media pack at Parliament House, waiting for the Reporting Officer to bring the result. Half-an-hour later we have our first female PM. Such an historical moment doesn’t have the celebratory feel that I had hoped for and expected. Amid my sadness that Rudd’s primeministership has ended in this way, my disappointment about the seeming limited shelf-life of ‘loyalty’, my frustration over the power and influence of the factions, I have to say that I am looking forward to the entertainment value of Gillard and Abbott locking horns. Politics is a game for mugs and thugs. Where o’ where is the intelligent, compassionate, inspirational leader? Perhaps it’s just not possible in the present flawed political system. Good luck Gillard. You’re going to need it. I didn’t vote for Rudd; I voted for Labor. However, a lot of people would say they voted for Rudd and may be angry about what has happened this morning.

12.12pm - Rudd has made his last public speech as PM. Emotional, teary, and heartbreaking. Ironically, he spoke like the kind of leader I want for our country. Why didn’t he speak more in this way, with such warmth and compassion, during his time in office? Gillard has also spoken with “great humility” and conviction, and made her position very clear. Most interestingly, Rudd has said he will stay on to contest his seat in the next election, and to work within in the government. Will he end up with a portfolio? Gillard would be wise to give him one that matches his personal values and convictions, and let him speak frankly about the issues he feels most passionate - homelessness, asylum seekers, health, poverty, indigenous issues, etc. He has managed to connect more closely with the public, and even the press(!), in the last hour than he was able to in recent months. He was the Kevin Rudd we wanted to see more of, more often.