Barnaby takes lead in race for New England

A Newspoll of voters in New England shows deputy prime minister and Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce pulling ahead of his independent rival.

Barnaby Joyce will face the voters for the first time as National Party leader. Source: AAP

Deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce is just in front of his independent challenger in one of the most tightly contested races in the election campaign, new polling shows.

A Newspoll conducted by The Australian shows independent candidate for New England and former minority government MP Tony Windsor's support has fallen by eight points since March.

The slip puts Mr Joyce narrowly in the lead with 51 per cent to Mr Windsor's 49 per cent, a result that represents a strong swing of 13.5 per cent away from Mr Joyce in the rural electorate.