Tony Abbott's poll slump after knightmare
Tony Abbott must confront some woeful new poll numbers as he tries to resurrect his troubled Prime Ministership.
His decision to knight the Duke of Edinburgh is proving to be unpopular with most, even Liberal voters, many of whom no longer want him running the country.
Even government MPs won't back their leader's bewildering tip of the top hat to the British monarchy.
An exclusive 7News/ReachTEL poll asked almost 3700 Australians if they supported Tony Abbott's knighthood call.
Just 12 percent said 'YES'.
More than 71 percent, 'NO'.
That makes the 'Sir Phil' decision less popular than a tax increase. Even among Liberal and National voters, fewer than one quarter back the PM's call.
This as Tony Abbott's own popularity sinks to the lowest level of his Prime Ministership. Close to 21 percent believe he's doing a good job while more than 61 percent rated his performance as 'poor or very poor'.
Yet Abbott is showing he's heard the howls of protest, saying he completely stands behind his controversial decision to award Prince Philip a knighthood.
"I accept that it's been a contentious decision," Abbott said. "I absolutely accept that."
"I take it on the chin."
So can he survive as Prime Minister?
Only 18 percent of voters say he's best to lead the Coalition.
As for leadership rivals, Treasurer Joe Hockey has slipped out of contention, falling under six percent.
Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop is the most popular alternative PM in her own party, boasting a 30.5 percent popularity vote.
The Liberal Party's last leader, Malcolm Turnbull, is the most popular overall with 44.6 percent.
These numbers come as the Murdoch papers, once fierce Abbott allies, mocked him again and the boss tweeted for Tony Abbott to sack his Chief of Staff, Peta Credlin, and if he won't she must do her patriotic duty and resign. Leading, says Rupert Murdoch, involves cruel choices.
Abbott again. Tough to write, but if he won't replace top aide Peta Credlin she must do her patriotic duty and resign. More
— Rupert Murdoch (@rupertmurdoch) January 28, 2015
Forget fairness. This change only way to recover team work and achieve so much possible for Australia. Leading involves cruel choices.
— Rupert Murdoch (@rupertmurdoch) January 28, 2015
Credlin a good person. Just appealing to her proven patriotism.
— Rupert Murdoch (@rupertmurdoch) January 28, 2015
Labor leader Bill Shorten, visiting troops in Iraq, would be delighted to see the Coalition's primary vote below 40 percent just as Labor's climbs above 40. With preferences, Labor would easily win an election now.
A grim picture for a Prime Minister trying to win back the initiative.
