Australian Premier leaves 'fire hazard' residence

Australia's Prime Minister Julia Gillard will have to leave her official residence after it was declared a potential fire hazard.

The Lodge also has a leaking roof that needs replacing. The 18-month renovation in Canberra is expected to cost millions of pounds.

Welsh-born Ms Gillard is now looking for "suitable, secure accommodation" in the city, the government said.

The 84-year-old building near Parliament House has hosted world dignitaries but is in disrepair. The original copper electric wires are enclosed in cloth insulation, which poses a fire hazard. Additionally, the slate-tiled roof is dangerous and no longer weatherproofs the building.

"If The Lodge were a patient it would be in hospital," Special Minister of State Gary Gray told ABC Television. "There is a lot of work to be done."

Ms Gillard's departure comes amid growing pressure for her to leave the residence permanently as her Labor party languishes in the polls.