Gillard declared that the question of the Labor leadership was now "settled".
He challenged for the Labor leadership twice, but was easily defeated.
He returned to the Labor leadership in 1918.
Some governments, at least the Australian Labor leadership, have a tendency to accept such a line of reasoning.
But the Labor leadership faces a rebellion of its own.
This effort was successful, with Keating winning the Labor leadership by 5 votes.
"Government seats are an irresistible magnet as far as the Labor leadership is concerned," he said.
The federation accepted the proposal, while the Knights of Labor leadership expressed no interest.
Holding is well regarded by his colleagues who would value these attributes in the event of a vacancy for the Labor leadership.
He represents a long tradition of conservative, pro-business Labor leadership in Tasmania.
