MPs 'discuss plan to stop Rudd comeback'

Senior Labor MPs have reportedly canvassed a plan to thwart a Kevin Rudd comeback if Julia Gillard's leadership ever comes under threat.

Discussions among a small number of MPs in the right faction have put forward the suggestion that Defence Minister Stephen Smith could be seen as a more acceptable candidate against Rudd should the caucus decide it is time, again, for a change, the Daily Telegraph reports.

However a source told the newspaper the plan, first raised almost five weeks ago, was "very preliminary" and was nothing more than a discussion.

"It was more about wanting to make sure Smith would put his hand up if it came to that … But it's nothing more than discussion," a source said.

If the plan was to work, Smith would have to be endorsed by the prime minister when she steps down.

When asked by the newspaper if Mr Smith had been involved in the discussions, the minister's office said Smith and other cabinet ministers had repeatedly expressed support for Gillard, and that in his view, Gillard would lead the government into the next federal election.