Australia Prime Minister Julia Gillard is today expected to announce a caucus vote on the leadership issue following the resignation of Kevin Rudd as foreign minister.

As Mr Rudd and Ms Gillard collide over the ALP leadership, it's believed the PM will announce a ballot will be held when federal parliament resumes on Monday.

In a day of political events not seen since his overthrow as prime minister in 2010, Mr Rudd accused Ms Gillard yesterday of deserting him in the face of continual attacks on his integrity.

He says the attacks were made by a group he described as faceless men and frontbencher Simon Crean.

Talking to reporters after calling a surprise press conference in Washington, the former Labor leader said he would consult his family and colleagues before making a final decision on his future.

He returns to his home city of Brisbane tomorrow.

Mr Rudd is expected to challenge, largely based on his remarks that caucus colleagues must decide who's best placed to defeat Opposition Leader Tony Abbott at the next election.

On current numbers Mr Rudd is likely to lose the ballot and be banished to the backbench.

His other option is to vacate his seat, which would bring Labor an unwelcome by-election in his Queensland seat of Griffith.

Last night Ms Gillard said she was disappointed Mr Rudd didn't raise his concerns with her.

Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer Wayne Swan says Mr Rudd has put his self interest ahead of the party and the broader Labor movement, accusing Mr Rudd of undermining the government at every turn.

As of last night, it's understood Mr Rudd could bank on the support of between 30 and 35 caucus members in a ballot, while Ms Gillard had about two-thirds on her side.

Mr Abbott says the farce shows Labor is unworthy to hold office.

Meanwhile Queensland Premier Anna Bligh says she's pleased the federal leadership issue will come to a head.

Ms Bligh says she hopes the Labor party in Queensland can get on with talking about state issues following Kevin Rudd's resignation as foreign minister.

Ms Bligh says the leadership tensions need to be resolved.

Mr Rudd says the ongoing saga has been harming the election chances of Ms Bligh, who he described as a good friend.

Ms Bligh says she's hopeful the leadership issue can be resolved once and for all.

But she says it's going to be a difficult time for everyone in the federal caucus.

Photo: Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard at the 2009 ALP conference (Getty Images)