Key makes it into preferred PM vote

National's finance spokesman, John Key, has made it into the preferred prime minister stakes in a new political poll that has National in front.

In the first One News/Colmar Brunton poll since the election, National has gained five points since election night to find 44 per cent support among voters.

Labour was on 40 per cent support in last night's poll, one percentage point short of its election night result.

The Green Party - which got 5.3 per cent support on election night - was up two points to 7 per cent.

New Zealand First was down one point to 4 per cent and the Maori Party was steady on 2 per cent. United Future and Act registered 1 per cent.

Helen Clark is down one but still the preferred prime minister of 39 per cent. Don Brash is down six to 24 per cent and Winston Peters down one point to 5 per cent.

Making an appearance in this poll is Mr Key, preferred by 5 per cent.

- NZPA