Latham consolidates Labor edge By Steve Lewis, Chief political reporter April 20, 2004
THE Labor Party retains an election-winning lead over the Government, despite a surge in the Coalition's primary vote to its highest level for two months. Mark Latham's approval rating also has recovered following his call for troops to be pulled out of Iraq by Christmas. A solid 59 per cent of voters are satisfied with his performance.
On a two-party-preferred basis, Labor continues to lead the Coalition by 53 per cent to 47 per cent, according to the latest Newspoll, conducted exclusively for The Australian last weekend.
As John Howard and the Opposition Leader intensify campaigning in marginal seats, both leaders recorded an improvement in their approval ratings.
Importantly, however, Mr Howard continues to hold a strong lead - 48 per cent to 37 per cent - as preferred prime minister.
The Coalition's primary vote -- up 3 points from 40 per cent a fortnight ago -- is the highest since February, but a strong flow of preferences from the minor parties would have seen Labor win an election held last weekend.
Labor's primary vote slipped to 42 per cent from 44 per cent, but is still well positioned compared with the 37.8 per cent it recorded at the 2001 election.
The Prime Minister continues to record strong approval ratings, with 53 per cent satisfied with his performance, compared with 38 per cent who are dissatisfied.
But Mr Latham is performing even better. He has recorded a 7 per cent jump in his satisfaction ratings over the past fortnight, to 59 per cent. At the same time, just 26 per cent of voters are dissatisfied with his performance, down from 32 per cent a fortnight ago.
