News.com.au
Oh, baby, it's bad timing for new mum Rowland
Thu February 23, 2012 1:03pm
LABOR MP Michelle Rowland will not be able to vote for Julia Gillard on Monday but has a good excuse.
Ms Rowland, member for the western Sydney seat of Greenway, today gave birth to 2.93 kg Octavia, her first child, at Norwest Private Hospital.
Ms Rowland is on a month's leave and expected to be the only Caucus member not to make the leadership ballot on Monday morning, meaning one vote less for the Prime Minister.
Her absence raises the remote prospect of a tied vote - 51-51 of the Caucus.
However, Ms Gillard's supporters believe she will have enough support to not need Ms Rowland's vote.