Julie Bishop level with Tony Abbott as preferred Coalition leader

JULIE Bishop’s popularity has skyrocketed putting her on level-pegging with Prime Minister Tony Abbott. So, does the PM need to be worried?

FOREIGN Minister Julie Bishop has rocketed up the ranks in popularity with a new poll putting her level with Tony Abbott as preferred Liberal leader.

Two of the most powerful figures in parliament both have 20 per cent support among voters according to the latest Fairfax Ipsos poll, with Bishop’s approval rating doubling in five months.

Her surge in popularity has many asking if she should be elevated to the top job.

On top of the polls, discussions dominating breakfast television and talkback radio this morning indicate a few people think she should.

Julie Bishop's popularity has soared. Do you think she would make a good PM? Tell us using #sun7 pic.twitter.com/Kw3Am2YZQi

— Sunrise (@sunriseon7) November 3, 2014

@sunriseon7 yes I think she would. She is really doing a great job as foreign minister. #sun7

— Sir Mick Team Aust (@macuser2323) November 3, 2014

@sunriseon7 JB would make a great PM - and would never whine about misogyny! #sun7

— Richard Clement (@rtsclement) November 3, 2014

Bishop has been treated to a rise in popularity thanks to her handling of terror threats and commitment to the search for answers in the investigation into the downing of MH17 putting her in the spotlight.

An appearance at the National Press Club last week, where the most powerful woman in parliament broke her silence on the gender equality issues she usually shies away from.

Though she refused to identify as a feminist, her hard line on how she feels about being a woman in politics worked for her.

“I’m a female politician, I’m a female foreign minister ... get over it,” the straight-shooting politician said to a room of women in the media.

Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop addressing the National Press Club in Canberra.

The suggestion of Bishop becoming Australia’s second Prime Minister has inevitably led to comparisons with the first, Julia Gillard, who also enjoyed a boost in popularity surpassing then Prime Minister Kevin Rudd when she was in the deputy role.

Ms Bishop also addressed the comparisons in her recent Women in Media address, shooting down any suggestions she might perform in the same way.

“I was delighted as the next women when Australia had its first female Prime Minister,” she said.

“I said so at the time and I recognise there was an extraordinary outpouring of goodwill.

“But then, as should be the case, she was judged on her competence and sadly I think for the Prime Minister she turned herself into a victim and portrayed herself as a victim. That was her choice.”

Ms Bishop has tried to cap any suggestions she would perform like Julia Gillard in the top job.

It’s not the first time the suggestion of a job swap between Bishop and the Prime Minister has been raised.

In a recent appearance on Nine’s Today, author Nikki Gemmell dismissed the idea, controversially suggesting: “I don’t think Australia is ready for another female prime minister, and it breaks my heart to say it.”

While Christopher Pyne minced his words when asked whether Ms Bishop should become the next prime minister, accidentally saying “I want her to be prime minister for 10 years”.

He meant to say “him”, as in Abbott.

Bishop wasn’t the only one who got a boost in the Fairfax poll, among the 1400 surveyed, 35 per cent supported Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull as the preferred leader, making him more popular than Bishop and Abbott.

Overall, the Coalition managed to claw back some ground on Labor to trail 49-51 on a two-party preferred basis.

According to the latest Newspoll, published in today’s Australian, the ALP posted its 13th consecutive lead over the Coalition, chalking up its best run in four years.

The Prime Minister’s performance rating slipped one point to 37 per cent, while the Opposition leader’s performance rating rose two points to meet him.

Of the 1175 surveyed in todays' Newspoll, 39 thought Abbott would make a better PM than Bill Shorten, who 38 per cent preferred.

While 23 per cent were “uncommitted”, voters weren’t asked whether Julie Bishop might perform better than both of them.

Don’t worry Tony, no need to feel nervous.