With former Prime Minister Julia Gillard swiftly removed and Kevin Rudd now leading the Labor party, several Federal cabinet members have sworn to fall on their swords and follow Ms Gillard out of the political arena.

Chief among them may be Wayne Swan; Ms Gillard’s deputy, chief supporter and former treasurer under both Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard. Stephen Conroy, the Broadband Minister has resigned, as have union heavyweights Joe Ludwig and Greg Combet.

Trade Minister Craig Emerson has announced he will not contest the next election after serving as the member for Rankin since 1998, and on the day the Gonski educational reforms passed in to law Minister Peter Garrett has announced he is dropping out of the 2013 election too.

Incumbents are stepping up to fill everybody’s shoes; Kevin Rudd is now leader of Labor, Anthony Albanese is his Deputy, Chris Bowen will be treasurer, Penny Wong takes over leadership in the Senate and Jacinta Collins has been elected her deputy. Official Ministerial announcements are expected from Mr Rudd today.