Tony Abbott Defeats Kevin Rudd In Australia Elections

Australia’s conservative leader Tony Abbott (C) stands with his wife Margaret (2nd L) and daughters (L-R) Frances, Louise and Bridget as he claims victory in Australia’s federal election (Picture: Reuters)

Tony Abbott will become Australia’s next prime minister after current incumbent Kevin Rudd conceded defeat.

Australia’s Liberal Party-led opposition swept to power in a national election to end six years of Labour Party rule.

The Liberal led coalition managed to win over a disenchanted public by promising to end a hated tax on carbon emissions, boost the nation’s flagging economy and bring about political stability after years of Labour infighting. A win for the coalition comes despite the relative unpopularity of party leader Abbott.

‘I know that Labour hearts are heavy across the nation tonight, and as your prime minister and as your parliamentary leader of the great Australian Labour Party, I accept responsibility,’ Rudd said in a speech to supporters.Abbott, 55, has long struggled to connect with women voters and was once dubbed ‘unelectable’ by opponents.

‘I gave it my all, but it was not enough for us to win.’

Voters were largely fed up with Labour and Rudd, after a long-running power struggle between him and his former deputy, Julia Gillard.