Rudd calls for leadership vote

CANBERRA (Australia) - AUSTRALIAN Prime Minister Kevin Rudd says he will call a party vote on his leadership after being challenged by his deputy.

The surprise move by PM Rudd late on Wednesday comes after Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard said she would challenge him for the leadership of the government.

The popularity of PM Rudd, who heads the Labor Party, has plummeted in opinion polls over recent months as a resurgent conservative opposition chose a new leader and made inroads on several issues. MORE