Voters still prefer Malcolm Turnbull over Tony Abbott as leader, poll shows

Essential poll reveals Tony Abbott's popularity has gained since February, with 17% of voters preferring him as Liberal leader, but he still sits behind Turnbull

Malcolm Turnbull remains the most popular leader of the Liberal party, preferred by 24% of voters, but Tony Abbott has gained ground since his leadership woes in February and is now preferred by 17%, according to the latest Essential poll.

Bill Shorten is the most popular choice as Labor leader - but is still preferred by only 16% of voters - with 13% choosing Tanya Plibersek and 12% Anthony Albanese. The most popular responses for Labor leader were someone else (18%) and don't know (36%). That means more than half of the poll's respondents did not nominate a preferred Labor leader at all.