Kevin Rudd belies report he didn’t support Bill Shorten, ‘proud’ to endorse Labor leader

Former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has belied reports that he didn’t support Bill Shorten. After initially refusing to comment on Shorten’s leadership, Rudd has now publicly backed the Labor leader, claiming he is “proud to endorse” him.

On Monday, News Corp Australia reported that Rudd was hesitant in answering a question about Shorten’s leadership, prompting speculations that he had reservations about him.

When Rudd was asked what Shorten would bring to the table as prime minister, a spokeswoman answered, “Mr Rudd’s longstanding policy is to not comment on Australian domestic politics.”

Following the publication of News Corp’s story and its two attempts to confirm it, Rudd has fired back, insisting he endorses Shorten.

Shorten did not reply on Rudd’s Twitter.

Rudd’s rival Julia Gillard, on the other hand, already tweeted her support for Shorten twice, first on day one of the election campaign, and the second one following Shorten’s debate with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

As it can be recalled, Shorten sided with Gillard in 2010 when she ousted Rudd as prime minister. In the 2013 Labor spill, however, Shorten changed camps, giving Rudd his support and allowing him to regain Labor leadership.