Premier Colin Barnett says Prime Minister Julia Gillard will need to defeat Kevin Rudd by a "large majority" if she is to retain the leadership and confidence of her party and the public.
The Premier told reporters Ms Gillard would need the decisive blow in her party ballots to put the leadership tussle to rest.
"This is the first time I can remember a government in term putting itself into caretaker mode as what they've done - it's a bizarre situation," Mr Barnett said.
"If Julia Gillard is to continue as prime minister, she would need to win that vote by a very large and strong majority.
"Even if Kevin Rudd were to lose, if he were to get 30 or 40 votes, then I would suggest the leadership issue is not resolved."
Mr Barnett made no secret of whom he would prefer as prime minister.
"It's a fact I got on quite well with Kevin Rudd," he said.
"Not in a political sense, but he did understand Western Australia well.
"He certainly spent a lot of time over here, and for whatever it's worth he would listen to what I would say.
"I don't think Julia Gillard would listen as much."
By AAP
