Julia Gillard becomes First female PM of Australia

Julia Gillard has been announced on Thursday as Australia's first woman prime minister after Kevin Rudd stepped down in tears as the ruling Labour Party's leader at a ballot meeting. Gillard, who said that she was "honoured" to head the country, will now decide when to lead the party into the next election. She will be sworn in as prime minister by Governor- General Quentin Bryce at 12.30pm.
The new leader for the Labour Party was elected unopposed. A visibly upset Rudd, who could barely speak, stood aside to avoid a humiliating defeat.According to reports, Rudd was reduced to tears as he addressed his colleagues and announced his decision to stand aside as the leader. Rudd ignored questions from reporters as he left the caucus room. Gillard was believed to have had the numbers before going into this morning's ballot, which was not held. The 49-year-old leader also had the backing of the powerful Australian Workers Union.