Book by Labor MP Maxine Mckew reveals all about Gillard
CLAIMS that Julia Gillard played an active role in plotting the overthrow of Kevin Rudd are contained in a new book by former Labor MP Maxine McKew.
In Tales From The Political Trenches, Ms McKew writes Ms Gillard was involved in undermining Mr Rudd in the days leading up to the leadership challenge, Fairfax reported on Friday.
Ms McKew alleges Ms Gillard showed internal research critical of Mr Rudd to a senior member of the Labor caucus days before the June 24 coup.
Fronting the media in South Australia on Friday, Ms Gillard would not be drawn on claims she had been a disloyal deputy.
"These issues have been well traversed in the past and I'm just not focused on this," Ms Gillard said.
She referred reporters to her previous comments on the issue.
Ms Gillard has consistently maintained she was loyal to Mr Rudd until the night of the challenge.
Ms McKew, who was an ABC journalist before entering politics, was defeated at the 2010 federal election.
Three years earlier she famously defeated sitting prime minister John Howard to take the seat of Bennelong.
Her book will be published on Monday.
