Australian politics: Rudd widens lead in new poll

Kevin Rudd. Photo / AP

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has widened his lead over Tony Abbott as the country's preferred leader, according to a new poll.

The latest Newspoll, published in The Australian today, shows the ALP and the coalition tied at 50 per cent each on a two-party preferred basis.

Labor's primary vote is up nine percentage points since Mr Rudd was restored as prime minister two weeks ago, giving the ALP 38 per cent, equal to its level at the August 2010 election.

The coalition's primary vote stands at 42 per cent, down six points since the change in Labor leadership.

The poll says voter satisfaction with Mr Rudd is up seven points to 43 per cent from 36 per cent the previous weekend.

A four-point rise as preferred prime minister to 53 per cent gives him a 22-point lead over Mr Abbott, who fell four points to 31 points.

The poll, taken over the weekend, shows 24 per cent of voters want an election before September 14, 25 per cent want it on the nominated date and only nine per cent want it later, with 41 per cent not expressing a preference.

- AAP