Australia gets first female Prime Minister

Canberra Jun 24 : For the first time Australia got a female Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, who grabbed the position by defeating the ruling Labour Party's leader, Kevin Rudd.

Ms Gillard has been unanimously elected to the post. Senior factional leaders claimed Ms Gillard had had a victory with at least 70 votes from a Caucus of 112.The historic vote of confidence for Ms Gillard has made her Australia's 27th Prime Minister.

She has taken her oath as the Prime Minister from Governor-General Quentin Bryce on Thursday, Jun 24.

Kevin Rudd became emotional as he listed his achievements in office during a press conference."I did my best to give Australia a fair go," said Rudd.

Rudd's defeat happens to be one of the most stunning political turnarounds, especially for a leader who just a few months ago was rivaling Bob Hawke, the 23rd Prime Minister of Australia and longest serving Australian Labor Party Prime Minister, in the popularity stakes.

Michael George Forshaw, Australian politician, a member of the Australian Senate for the state of New South Wales, praised Rudd for his contribution to the Labour Party and Australia as whole.

"He led us to victory in 2007, a victory that was achieved when many people thought that we would still be spending more years in Opposition," said Forshaw.

Many leaders across the globe congratulated Gillard on her victory.

"I know her well, she's a person of extraordinary ability, of great intellect, of great compassion, she's got a wonderful way with people," said Victorian Premier John Brumby.

ANI