Rudd could take over Labor leadership

KEVIN RUDD'S surprise resignation from his job as Foreign Minister clears the way for him to openly canvass support for the Labor leadership, Page MP Janelle Saffin says.

In his address announcing his resignation, Mr Rudd said he would return to Australia and seek the advice of family and friends before deciding on his next step.

However, he added: "I promise you this - there is no way, no way, that I will ever  be part of a stealth attack on a sitting prime minister elected by  the people."

"We all know that what happened then was wrong and it must never happen again."

Ms Saffin said that meant, if Mr Rudd chose to challenge for the leadership, he would do it in the open.

"My interpretation is he will do exactly that. He'll talk with colleagues and his family and the community about whether he should do something else," Ms Saffin said.

"That could involve taking over as leader, but he's made it clear whatever he does won't be behind closed doors."