CANBERRA, Feb 22 — Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard said outgoing Foreign minister Kevin Rudd never raised any of his concerns with her and did not inform her he intended to resign.

Rudd resigned from cabinet earlier today and said he could not longer serve without the prime minister's full support, in a move which could now see Rudd launch a leadership challenge against Gillard.

"I am disappointed that the concerns Mr Rudd has publicly expressed this evening were never personally raised with me, nor did he contact me to discuss his resignation prior to his decision," Gillard said in a brief statement.

The Prime Minister made no comment on Rudd's replacement, and said she would hold a media conference tomorrow. — Reuters