Liberal Party's New Leader Sees Surge in Opinion Polls

The Liberal Party appears to be on a roll following the appointment of new leader Alexander Downer, with an almost eight-point lead over Prime Minister Paul Keating as the preferred prime minister in the latest Saulwick Age Poll. As of now, 55% of respondents prefer the coalition as their preferred government, while only 45% support the current government. This surge in support is largely attributed to the electorate's weariness of the Liberal Party's leadership saga and the honeymoon effect that typically benefits new leaders.

Key Takeaways:

• The Saulwick Age Poll shows Alexander Downer with an almost eight-point lead over Prime Minister Paul Keating as the preferred prime minister.
• 55% of respondents prefer the coalition as their preferred government, while only 45% support the current government.
• The surge in support is attributed to the electorate's weariness of the Liberal Party's leadership saga and the honeymoon effect.
• The new coalition leadership has had virtually no opportunities to demonstrate its capabilities, making it challenging to interpret the poll results.
• The electorate has deserted the fashionable minor parties to support the Liberal Party under Downer's leadership.
• Bronwyn Bishop, a shadow minister, was previously the darling of the opinion polls, showing how quickly things can change in politics.

Statistics:

• 55% of respondents prefer the coalition as their preferred government.
• 45% of respondents support the current government.
• Alexander Downer has an almost eight-point lead over Prime Minister Paul Keating as the preferred prime minister.

Sources:

• Saulwick Age Poll (no specific date mentioned)