25 Aug 2013

Poll shows Cunliffe as early favourite for Labour leader

5:27 pm on 25 August 2013

An opinion poll out on Sunday has put David Cunliffe way out in front as the preferred leader of the Labour Party.

David Cunliffe.

David Cunliffe. Photo: RNZ

The Colmar Brunton telephone poll, for Television New Zealand's Q + A programme gave Mr Cunliffe 29% support among all voters.

Jacinda Ardern was on 15%, Shane Jones on 11%, Grant Robertson on 10% and Andrew Little on 9%.

Among Labour supporters, Mr Cunliffe was even more preferred on 32%, Mr Jones and Mr Robertson tied on 14%, with Ms Ardern on 11% and Mr Little on 10%.

Ms Ardern has said she is not in the running for the leadership and Mr Little confirmed on Sunday morning he is pulling out of the race.

The poll sampled 517 eligible voters on Friday and Saturday, and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.4%.