Mr Fitzgibbon, a strong supporter of Mr Rudd, resigned his position as government whip after the abortive leadership coup in March this year.

Now he is a front runner to gain a senior ministry in the new Rudd administration – it could even be his old cabinet position of defence minister following the announcement yesterday by the current defence minster Stephen Smith’s resignation.

Since Mr Rudd gained the leadership position six cabinet minister from the Gillard administration have announced their resignation and some like Ms Gillard will not be contesting the coming federal election.

Commenting on the change of leadership Mr Fitzgibbon told The Singleton Argus he was pleased with the result but added it was never an easy thing to do and it gave him no joy to vote down a leader.

“Kevin Rudd is very capable and has a strong policy position and he makes our party competitive in the up coming election,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

“Private and public polling showed we were uncompetitive and now with Kevin as our leader we are not only competitive but we could well be heading for a winning position.”

He said he would be happy to serve the new administration in any capacity.

As The Argus goes to press there was no word on whether the date of the next election would or would not be on September 14 and who would be appointed to the Rudd ministry.

Hunter electorate candidates comment Labor Party leadership change

THE other candidates for the federal seat of Hunter were nonplussed by the shenanigans in Canberra this week that resulted in former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd reversing the 2010 Labor Party leadership coup and regaining what he considered his rightful position at the head of the party and the country.

Nationals candidate Michael Johnsen said it didn’t matter who was Labor leader, they were all dysfunctional.

“Its funny really as the sitting Labor member Joel Fitzgibbon didn’t care too much about the loss of jobs in the mining industry but when it looked like he could lose this job he did everything he possibly could to ensure that didn’t happen,” Mr Johnsen said.

He said the situation would have no impact on his election campaign.

Christian Democrat candidate Richard Stretton said the change of leadership changed very little for him and his view of the up coming election.

“The only thing that could have an impact would be the change in date of the election – if its earlier I would have to really get going with my campaigning, “he said.

“Otherwise we all knew the leadership could change at any time”

Mr Stretton said Mr Rudd was well known for his lack of leadership and consultation within parliament and he doubted if he had changed while he was away from the leadership.

For Greens candidate David Atwell from Aberdare the issues remain the same no matter who leads the Labor Party.

“I will be campaigning on coal seam gas development, coal dust, the impact of coal mines and animal welfare,” he said.

When not on the campaign trail Mr Atwell spends his days rescuing and caring for companion animals through his work as vice president of the Society for Companion Animal Rescuers.

He works closely with local animal pounds including those at Muswellbrook, Singleton and Wyong.

“Mr Fitzgibbon supports the development of coal seam  gas and coal mines despite the overwhelming community opposition to the coal seam gas industry, “he said.

The other person to announce their candidature for Hunter is Jennifer Stefanac who has a facebook page on her campaign for Palmer United Party .

Palmer United Party was established by Queensland based coal miner and business man Clive Palmer.

At the time of publication The Argus has still he hear from Ms Stefanac