Poll shows well-off turning to Labour

Well-off people are deserting the National Party, an UMR poll shows. Those earning over $70,000 have switched allegiance to Labour.

The poll reveals that National's support in the $70,000-plus group - which peaked at 69 per cent at the end of 2000 - has slumped to 40 per cent and Labour's support has increased from 26 per cent to 39 per cent.

A spokeswoman for National leader Bill English says the party's own polling shows it is well ahead with $77,000-plus earners, although the $52,000 to $77,000 bracket is more evenly split.