Carr denies run for PM

Foreign Minister Bob Carr has ruled out making a tilt for the prime ministership.

By InvestSMART · 7 Apr 2012

By InvestSMART ·
7 Apr 2012

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Foreign Minister Bob Carr has ruled out making a tilt for the prime ministership.

"I'm ruling it out, I don't have to give a reason," he told reporters yesterday outside his Maroubra home in Sydney's east.

Senator Carr would have to move to the lower house to take the Labor leadership from Prime Minister Julia Gillard, who is struggling in the polls.

There has been recent speculation about the possible retirement of Schools Minister Peter Garrett, which would create a vacancy in his eastern Sydney seat of Kingsford-Smith.

But Senator Carr, who spent a decade as NSW premier, says he is not considering that option.

His predecessor as foreign minister, Kevin Rudd, resigned his post in February to challenge for the Labor leadership, only to be trounced by Ms Gillard 71 votes to 31.

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Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…

Who is Bob Carr and did he rule out a run for prime minister?

Bob Carr is Australia's Foreign Minister and a former NSW premier. According to the article, he publicly ruled out making a tilt for the prime ministership, saying “I'm ruling it out, I don't have to give a reason.”

Why would Bob Carr have to move to the lower house to become prime minister?

The article notes that Senator Carr would need to move to the lower house to take the Labor leadership from Prime Minister Julia Gillard, because the prime minister is conventionally drawn from the House of Representatives rather than the Senate.

What did Bob Carr say about contesting the Kingsford-Smith seat if Peter Garrett retires?

While there was recent speculation about a possible retirement by Schools Minister Peter Garrett — which would create a vacancy in the eastern Sydney seat of Kingsford-Smith — the article states that Carr says he is not considering that option.

How does Carr ruling out a tilt for PM affect immediate Labor leadership prospects?

By ruling out a challenge, Carr reduces the likelihood of an immediate leadership contest involving him. The article also notes Julia Gillard is struggling in the polls and that leadership speculation has been active, but Carr has removed himself from that particular set of possibilities.

What precedent does the article give about recent Labor leadership challenges?

The article recalls that Kevin Rudd, Carr's predecessor as foreign minister, resigned his post in February to challenge for the Labor leadership and was decisively defeated by Julia Gillard by 71 votes to 31.

Where and how did Bob Carr make his announcement about not running for prime minister?

Carr made the comment to reporters outside his Maroubra home in Sydney's east, telling them: “I'm ruling it out, I don't have to give a reason.”

Why should everyday investors pay attention to leadership decisions like Carr's announcement?

Everyday investors often watch leadership developments because they can influence government policy and political stability. The article highlights active leadership speculation within Labor, and Carr’s decision narrows the field of potential challengers — information investors may consider when assessing political risk.

Is there any indication in the article that Bob Carr will change his mind about seeking the prime ministership?

No. The article presents a clear, current statement from Carr that he is ruling out a tilt for the prime ministership and is not considering moving to the lower house or contesting the Kingsford-Smith seat.