Labour creeps up but gap still wide

Labour has gained support in the latest opinion poll and has closed the gap on National, but it still has a long way to go to have a real chance of retaining power on November 8.

The TV One Colmar Brunton poll released last night shows National down one point to 50 per cent support and Labour up three points to 36 per cent. The gap was 14 points compared with 18 a week ago. On 50 per cent support National would have 61 seats in Parliament and Labour 44.

There was little change in support for the minor parties, although the Greens were down slightly and would gain seven seats instead of the 10 they would have had a week ago.

The survey indicates Labour's strong start in the campaign and its policy announcements are having an impact.

National did not start so strongly, although party leader John Key got his campaign back on track with a good performance in Tuesday's leaders debate.

- NZPA