Anthony Albanese and Richard Marles take over Labor leadership following election loss

A new-look federal Labor has taken shape with the ALP caucus endorsing its leadership for the next three years in the political wilderness.

The factional bosses determined the makeup of the leadership, with NSW MP Anthony Albanese the leader and Victorian MP Richard Marles the deputy.

Both were unopposed in ballots to determine the top jobs.

The two men will be joined by senators Penny Wong and Kristina Keneally in the other two leadership positions.

Until this morning, Labor was facing the prospect of having three men in its four senior leadership roles.

Former deputy leader Tanya Plibersek and Labor frontbencher Clare O'Neil were the only senior Labor women that considered running for the party's top roles.

Ms Plibersek decided against running for the leader's role, saying "now is not my time".

Ms O'Neil said the colleagues she had spoken to said that it was not her time to serve as deputy.

Senator Keneally's path to the frontbench became possible when NSW MP Ed Husic relinquished his role and then senator Don Farrell opted against seeking re-election as deputy leader.

"I think the first all-female Senate leadership team of either major party," Senator Wong said.

Space to play or pause, M to mute, left and right arrows to seek, up and down arrows for volume.

Watch

Duration: 1 minute 31 seconds1m 31s

Factional fight for frontbench roles

The Labor factions determined the party's frontbench makeup and Mr Albanese will determine the portfolios in the days ahead.

Mr Marles, who has held the defence portfolio in the last three years, will get to pick whatever portfolio he wants.

It has been reported that he would be keen on taking over foreign affairs, which would mean Senator Wong would have to change portfolios.

Mr Marles did not elaborate on the portfolio he wanted but instead vowed Labor would have a united front ahead of the next election.

"I'd also like to just acknowledge Bill Shorten and Tanya Plibersek, and say that in our caucus meeting today there was significant acknowledgement of both," Mr Marles said.

"After a very difficult period from '10 through '13, Bill and Tanya provided leadership and stability to our party for more than six years.

"And for that, we all owe them an enormous debt of gratitude. And it is that unity that we are going to take forward."