Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson has revealed that Labor ministers held a meeting in November 2024 to discuss replacing Australian Ambassador to the United States Kevin Rudd.

Ms Henderson revealed on Sky News that sources had informed her of the meeting, which included Defence Minister Richard Marles and Trade Minister Don Farrell.

The meeting was held shortly after US President Donald Trump was elected, and considered whether Mr Rudd’s past criticisms could damage the relationship.

“I have been told on very reliable sources that Richard Marles, Minister of Defence and the Deputy Prime Minister, met with the Minister for Trade Don Farrell last November,” Ms Henderson said on Sunday.

“(They) discussed replacing Kevin Rudd as ambassador, and their preferred candidate was Stephen Conroy.

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