Neumann to back Gillard

Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann on the election trail.

Sarah Harvey

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SHAYNE Neumann says he is "saddened" by the resignation of Kevin Rudd as foreign minister but added that he would be supporting Prime Minster Julia Gillard in a leadership vote.

Mr Neumann, the Federal Member for Blair, spoke to the QT last night in the wake of Mr Rudd's decision to step down.

"I feel sad that Kevin has decided to resign as foreign minister," Mr Neumann said.

"I had hoped that after a period of being prime minister and foreign minister that he would fulfil the role of elder statesmen in the Labor Party. That he felt compelled to resign is regrettable."

It was reported last night that Ms Gillard was planning to call a leadership vote on Monday.

Mr Neumann said Ms Gillard would receive his backing if that eventuated.

"I supported Julia Gillard when she was elected unopposed as leader 18 months ago ... and she has my full and wholehearted support now," he said.

Mr Neumann said that he now hoped Mr Rudd would serve "as a dedicated, diligent and determined backbencher in the government" and added that Mr Rudd had done a "fine job" as foreign minister.

"He was ahead of the game on Libya and I think he realised very early on that the Syrian regime was terminal, so he was ahead of the game politically and internationally on that issue.

"He has played a very significant role in Australia seeking a position on the Security Council and he has been an activist foreign minister and represented Australia well."

Mr Neumann said Ipswich "never had a better friend in Canberra than Julia Gillard as our community grappled with the flood issues".

"Whatever I needed for our local community ... she dealt with the challenges," he said.