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NSW Labor slumps in poll

The New South Wales Labor Party faces a wipeout at the March state election, with support for the Coalition Government at a six-month high, according to the latest Newspoll.

The Coalition government holds a lead of 56 to 44 per cent on a two-party-preferred basis, with Labor trailing since the start of the year.

Opposition leader John Robertson resigned on Tuesday after it was revealed he signed a letter for Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis over child visitation rights in 2011.

• Robertson steps down as NSW Opposition Leader
• Mike Baird most popular state leader

The party is now scrambling to appoint a new leader before the March 28 election.

Newspoll puts the Coalition ahead in the primary vote, 44 to 38.

Despite a string of Liberal MPs being hauled before the Independent Commission Against Corruption, Mr Robertson has failed to make a dent in Premier Mike Baird’s popularity.

Mr Baird was preferred leader by a large margin of 52 to 17 in a Newspoll conducted in September.

AAP

NSW Premier Mike Baird continues his poll dominance. Image: AAP

Eleven Coalition MPs have quit because of damning ICAC revelations.

Mr Robertson’s disapproval rating surged eight percentage points to 38 per cent in the past two months.

Several NSW Labor members are expected to contest the upcoming leadership ballot, with Shadow Treasurer Michael Daley the first to publicly declare his interest.

Mr Daley said he had been “a proud member of the parliamentary Labor party for 10 years” and he was “looking forward to taking part in the upcoming leadership ballot”.

According to Fairfax, environment spokesman Luke Foley could be another contender and has not ruled out standing.

Mr Foley and Mr Daley are from opposing factions within the Labor Party, with Mr Foley a leading figure in the party’s left, and Mr Daley a member of the right.

Acting opposition leader Linda Burney could also be another candidate, after failing rule out contesting in an interview with the ABC.

The Labor caucus will meet on January 5 to elect a new leader.

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