Turnbull refuses to nominate Kevin Rudd as UN Secretary-General

July 29, 2016
Issue 
Kevin Rudd will not get the top job at the UN.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has bowed to objections by the Coalition's right wing and declined to support former Labor prime minister Kevin Rudd for the role of Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Turnbull said he made a “considered judgement” to not back Rudd because he was not suited to the role. Turnbull's nomination is a necessary prerequisite for the bid, so his verdict essentially ends Rudd's campaign.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has bowed to objections by the Coalition's right wing and declined to support former Labor prime minister Kevin Rudd for the role of Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Turnbull said he made a “considered judgement” to not back Rudd because he was not suited to the role. Turnbull's nomination is a necessary prerequisite for the bid, so his verdict essentially ends Rudd's campaign.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has bowed to objections by the Coalition's right wing and declined to support former Labor prime minister Kevin Rudd for the role of Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Turnbull said he made a “considered judgement” to not back Rudd because he was not suited to the role. Turnbull's nomination is a necessary prerequisite for the bid, so his verdict essentially ends Rudd's campaign.

Former New Zealand Labour Prime Minister Helen Clark is the favourite to take the role, not least because John Key, the conservative prime minister, has endorsed her campaign.

Labor has backed Rudd for the position, even though many shadow ministers have criticised his personality and professionalism.

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