Rudd blitz begins as host of Labor MPs back a national tour Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd visits Geelong in Victoria. Picture: Stuart McEvoy Source: The Daily Telegraph THE campaign to put Kevin Rudd back in The Lodge has started with a national tour backed by more than a third of Labor's lower house MPs. The former prime minister yesterday confirmed his rockstar status when people flocked to him during a visit to Geelong, the start of a tour which he said was simply about "lending a hand" to Julia Gillard. More than 32 sitting Labor MPs and candidates who fear losing their seats have asked for Mr Rudd to campaign in their electorates. However, Rudd-backers yesterday revealed the tour was about testing the waters for a final push to retake the leadership by proving that he alone had the popularity to win in September. More than a third of Labor's lower house MPs have made formal requests for Kevin Rudd to help campaign in their electorates, with many claiming his popularity would be a key in saving their seats. Picture: Stuart McEvoy Embarking on a week-long national campaign blitz, the former PM will hit at least three western Sydney seats next week. Many more MPs, including supporters of Ms Gillard, have put up their hand to have Mr Rudd visit their electorates. The Daily Telegraph has learned that 32 requests have been made to the Labor Party national secretariat from sitting MPs and candidates. The Prime Minister's office also sanctioned Mr Rudd's visit to Geelong yesterday for the start of his campaign after requests from two MPs who both stand to lose their seats. While Mr Rudd yesterday again declared he was not a leadership candidate, sources close to him claim the national tour was "testing the waters" for a possible final bid. A senior source close to Mr Rudd revealed there was a final campaign for retaking the leadership under way using "a three-pronged strategy." The first was to declare Mr Rudd was "back" and ready. The second was to use his national tour to prove to his caucus that he was publicly popular. The third was to cast Mr Rudd as someone trying to win the election and Ms Gillard as trying to make excuses for a defeat. However, they insisted that he would not challenge Ms Gillard, as pledged. Mr Rudd signs Ben Sorbara's cast on his broken arm at Christian College in Geelong. Instead it is believed several senior Labor figures from both within and outside the caucus are considering calling on the PM to step down. Is it likely? But is it possible? Definitely yes," a key Rudd backer said. Another senior Labor MP said momentum had again shifted after polling in Victoria pointed to a wipe-out in the PM's home state as well. "What has happened which is different to last time is that the Victorians have realised they are also buggered," they said. It's not just NSW. The Victorians have now seen their own mortality as well. Mr Rudd with local MP Richard Marles and Kevin Rudd supporter Josh Gilligan at Corio Shopping Centre. Any prospect of an 11th-hour switch back to Mr Rudd again rests with Workplace Minister Bill Shorten, who commands enough votes in the caucus to protect Ms Gillard. Despite renewed approaches from some MPs, Mr Shorten has told colleagues he won't abandon Ms Gillard. However, some senior Labor sources said it was possible he would release his numbers if enough MPs believed it was in the interests of saving their seats. Any push to have Mr Rudd reinstated would have to occur by June 27 - the last day parliament sits before the writs for the September 14 election are issued. Mr Shorten yesterday admitted the party faced annihilation at the election. Mr Kevin Rudd visits Geelong. Rudd at the Corio shopping centre. "There is no doubt in my mind that if the polls are correct Tony Abbott will win in a landslide," he said. But he later recanted, claiming he believed it would be a closely-fought election. Mr Rudd's popularity was on display in Geelong with people flocking to him for photographs. Mr Rudd poses for a photo with locals at Corio Shopping centre. Senior ministers welcomed Mr Rudd's involvement in the campaign, including Mr Shorten, Finance Minister Penny Wong and Leader of the House Anthony Albanese. Others, however, privately claimed he was deliberately trying to sabotage Ms Gillard. Mr Rudd said he was merely trying to help the party win. "I don't see any circumstances under which I would return to the leadership," he said. My job is to argue the case for Labor at a local level, up hill and down dale, every state of Australia - you name it I'll be there in order to get these guys across the line. But former Labor leader Mark Latham launched a scathing attack on Mr Rudd, calling him a "lunatic" and a "once-in-a-century egomaniac." Rudd knows all of this is damaging the party. I look at him on the TV and I have to say 'this bloke's nuts'," he said. They should have expelled him three years ago. He is an absolute nightmare for them.