The new statesman

Fourth, the new leader needs to select his new frontbench wisely. Prominent Queenslander Wayne Swan has scored points against the Government on interest rates as shadow treasurer. If Swan loses the portfolio to the new deputy Gillard, he should be given industrial relations. If he doesn't lose treasury responsibilities, Gillard should get the IR portfolio.

IR will be a key issue at the next election and Rudd needs one of his two best performing shadows in the portfolio.

Keeping Swan close to the centre of power would also be a sign Rudd is not engaging in payback in the aftermath of his victory over the Beazley forces.

Rudd's greatest asset is his intelligence and drive. His career before entering Parliament was filled with successes. He may not have ministerial experience but, unlike Mark Latham, he has been at the apex of power inside government - Rudd was former premier Wayne Goss's chief of staff before becoming director-general of Cabinet in the Queensland government.

Rudd's greatest weakness could be his style. His bookish looks reflect his significant intelligence, but he has to appeal to the average voter. His working-class background does not come across in his media performances. If he is to win key marginal seats Rudd needs to impress Howard's "battlers".

As a shadow minister, Rudd spent a lot of time demanding replies to opinion pieces critical of him. And sometimes he would shoot too far - accusing writers of being part of some government conspiracy. I know because he did it to me.

If he doesn't develop a thicker skin, Rudd won't have time for anything but opinion piece replies - Opposition leaders come in for a fair amount of flak on a daily basis. Beazley did and he was ahead in the polls. So will Rudd, so he better get used to it.