Labor opens up a four-point two-party-preferred lead in the latest Newspoll, its biggest margin since the overthrow of Tony Abbott

This article is more than 3 years old

This article is more than 3 years old

The Coalition’s primary vote has dipped below 40% for the first time under Malcolm Turnbull’s leadership as Labor takes a lead of four percentage points in two-party-preferred terms, the latest Newspoll shows.

The primary vote is lower than it was when Tony Abbott was dumped as leader a year ago.

Labor has a two-party-preferred lead of 52 % to the Coalition’s 48% – the opposition’s biggest lead since Turnbull took power.

Truth in politics: calling out 'cold-blooded lies' isn't nearly enough | Katharine Murphy Read more

Turnbull remains the preferred prime minister over Bill Shorten, but less than a third of voters are satisfied with his performance and more than half are dissatisfied.

The poll shows the Coalition’s primary vote has fallen three points in the past fortnight to 38% and is down four points since the election 12 weeks ago.

Other than Julia Gillard’s government in 2010, it is the quickest ­decline in primary vote by a re-elected government in the 32-year history of Newspoll, the Australian reported.

In the final Newspoll under Abbott’s leadership in September last year, the Coalition’s primary vote was 39%.

Last September Turnbull cited the 30 consecutive Newspolls the party had lost as one of his reasons for overthrowing Abbott as leader.

Primary support for Labor has risen one point in the past fortnight to 37%, while the Greens have gained one point to 10% and other parties and independents have climbed a combined one point to 15%.