Kevin Rudd is back

Kevin Rudd has prevailed in a dramatic Labor leadership ballot, defeating Julia Gillard and paving the way for him to return to the prime ministership.

Rudd has won the Labor leadership over Julia Gillard 57 votes to 45

The vote was the third time the Labor leadership has come to a head this Parliament, after Ms Gillard overthrew Mr Rudd in 2010.

He is understood to be calling an August election.