[ZenGum]

Well, bugger me backwards with a bargepole.

About five months before the last election, Labor dumped Rudd and installed Gillard, because they were trailing badly in the polls. They drew the election and just barely negotiated a deal with parliament to form a government.

Despite having a minority in parliament, they have governed (IMHO) fairly well - the economy is okay, social conditions are mostly good, and they've brought through a lot of new legislation - disability insurance, education reform, etc. Nevertheless, there has been a persistent media campaign against them, because of party political BS going on with certain former leaders (and their henchmen) being destabilising. With such a tight parliament, Gillard could never sack or otherwise discipline her crew if they misbehaved.

Now, about few months before the next election, and trailing woefully in the polls, they have ... dumped Gillard and installed Rudd as party leader - although, given the minority in parliament, this does NOT automatically make Rudd Prime Minister again.

Most interesting.