THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard Friday did not deny a report that she has ordered cabinet ministers not to talk to major newspaper editors in a bid to stamp out leadership speculation.
Ms Gillard heads a fragile Labour coalition government after the party failed to win a majority in the August 2010 election and there is mounting speculation that Kevin Rudd, the former prime minister who is now foreign minister, could challenge her for the top job.
The prime minister removed Mr Rudd in a brutal Labour Party showdown in mid-2010 and the Sydney Daily Telegraph said a gagging order was issued at a cabinet meeting last week to try and hose down further leadership speculation.
The newspaper said ministers must now seek permission from the prime minister's office before any meeting or private talks with senior newspaper figures. » | Friday, February 10, 2012
