KEY POINTS:
Labour has made huge inroads into National's lead in a new political poll out today boosting Helen Clark's chances of leading her party to a fourth consecutive term in government.
The Fairfax Media-Nelsen poll shows support for Labour jumped four to 40 per cent from the previous poll in September, while National's support slid from 50 to 45 per cent.
The poll also shows the public favours budget surpluses being spent on public services rather than tax cuts.
Only 25 per cent said they wanted tax cuts, against 58 per cent who wanted the money invested in services like health and education,
The poll also has Miss Clark back in the lead from National leader John Key as preferred prime minister.
In September, Mr Key led by 41 per cent to 34 per cent, but Miss Clark is back in front by 38 per cent to 36 per cent.
Among the small parties, only the Greens reached the 5 per cent threshold for winning seats without an electorate. NZ First and the Maori Party were on 3 per cent. ACT and UnitedFuture each recorded 1 per cent support.
- NZPA
