Australia Gets First Female PM

Julia Gillard has become Australia's first prime minister after a revolt within the ruling Labor Party ousted Kevin Rudd. Rudd—who led the party to a landslide victory less than 3 years ago—got the heave-ho from lawmakers worried that his growing unpopularity would cause Labor to lose power in elections expected this October, the AP reports.

Rudd began losing public support in April this year when he reneged on a campaign promise and shelved a plan for a carbon emissions trading scheme. "I was elected by the Australian people as prime minister of this country to bring back a fair go for all Australians and I have given my absolute best to do that," Rudd said. after being deposed. "What I'm less proud of is the fact that I have now blubbered." (More Kevin Rudd stories.)