Newly re-elected Whitlam MP Stephen Jones will back Anthony Albanese as leader of the Australian Labor Party following its unexpected defeat in the May 18 federal election.
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Anthony Albanese, who is Grayndler MP, announced his candidacy for leader of the Australian Labor Party on Sunday.
He said he believed he had a responsibility to put up his hand for the leadership role.
"I believe I am the best person to lead Labor back into government," Mr Albanese said.
"We have lost three elections in a row. That has an impact on those Australians who rely upon us to improve their education, to look after their health care, to build public transport infrastructure [and] to look after their interests."
Deputy leader of six years Tanya Plibersek confirmed she is considering running for the party's top job.
"I'll talk to my colleagues today but, of course, I'm considering it," Ms Plibersek told Insiders.
Mr Jones told the Mercury that Anthony Albanese has the "experience and personality" to lead Australians.
"Where ever you go around the country, from the cities to the regions, people relate to Albo," he said.
"People like him, they know what he stands for and that is what Australia needs now.
"I don't know who else will nominate but Anthony would be an outstanding choice for the ALP."
Read more: How election day in the Illawarra unfolded
Cunningham MP Sharon Bird said she would not publicly support a candidate for the leadership until all candidates had formally nominated.
Treasury spokesman Chris Bowen and MPs Tony Burke and Richard Marles are also rumoured to be considering their options.
Bill Shorten quit as Labor leader in his speech to party faithful on Saturday night in Melbourne and confirmed he would not recontest the leadership at the ballot.
Mr Shorten will remain as interim leader until the ballot process has finished.
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