Latest Newspoll shows Scott Morrison in lead as preferred PM

New data shows Prime Minister Scott Morrison has gained the lead as Australia’s preferred Prime Minister over his rival, Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese.

In a Newspoll conducted by The Australian, Morrison took the lead in a two-point rise, sitting at a 46 per cent approval rating and leaving him with the strongest position in his campaign so far.

The lead comes after the Prime Minister’s approval rating dropped amid home security fears raised over a deal between China and the Solomon Islands.

The two went head to head in their first election debate on Wednesday, April 20, with Albanases slamming Morrison for saying an “outrageous slur” after he stated Labor takes “China’s side”.

Albanese sits at an unchanged 37 per cent after an unfortunate beginning to his campaign trail saw him forced to sit out in home isolation after contracting Covid-19.

“Following a routine PCR test this afternoon ahead of interstate travel to Western Australia, I have returned a positive result for COVID this evening,” Albanese wrote on Twitter.

“I have been testing regularly as part of my election campaign duties. I will be isolating at home in Sydney for the next 7 days and will continue to follow health guidelines and advice.

“While at home I will continue my responsibilities as alternative Prime Minister and will be fighting for a better future for all Australians.