Gillard calls Labor leadership ballot tonight; her condition: loser should retire from politics

A ballot will be held at 7pm Wednesday to determine who will lead the Labor Party and the country. Follow this page for the latest developments.

.15pm: MAJOR DEVELOPMENT – Prime Minister Julia Gillard has announced a ballot for the leadership of Labor will be held at 7pm today.

“In these circumstances I do think it’s in the best interest of the national and best interests of the Labor Party for this to be resolved,” Ms Gillard said.

Ms Gillard would not say if she would win the ballot.

She said any contender who loses should retire from politics.

Ms Gillard says she has “never been diverted…by this nonsense”.

It has been “debilitating” for her, for the party and the country, Ms Gillard said.

Ms Gillard says if she is unsuccessful she will leave politics at the next election.