Julia Gillard has staved off a challenge from Kevin Rudd, winning the leadership ballot 71-31 to retain the prime ministership.

Returning officer and the member for Fowler, Chris Hayes, said there was no recount and that the mood in the party room meeting was "reasonably tense".

Mr Rudd has said that after ballot he will be working for a unified Labor team, according to Mr Hayes.

He also said that there was relief on the faces of some senators and MPs after the result and some clapping.

Mr Rudd is reported to have reacted well to the result.

"He seemed fine," Mr Hayes said.

Neither Ms Gillard nor Mr Rudd spoke for more than three minutes in the Labor caucus meeting.

The meeting took over an hour becuase of the need to vote and then  count the votes, according to Mr Hayes.

Labor MP Dick Adams also reported that Mr Rudd said he would be "right behind" Ms Gillard from now on.

Gillard Wins Leadership Ballot