Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has been privately gauging the extent of the Labor party's support for his leadership.
Mr Rudd's chief of staff, Alister Jordan, has been talking privately to almost half the caucus to ensure the prime minister has his party's full support, Fairfax Newspapers reported on Wednesday.
The prime minister has been deeply concerned about the security of his position and does not necessarily trust public assurances by his deputy, Julia Gillard, that she is not interested in the leadership.
However, Mr Jordan's soundings have found Mr Rudd still enjoys the solid support in the caucus, the paper reported. Labor's primary vote has taken a dive to 35 per cent, a level some say makes the election unwinnable.
However, the latest Newspoll has Labor ahead on 52 per cent after the distribution of preferences.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
Wong says caucus 100 per cent behind PM
A senior government minister says the Labor caucus is 100 per cent behind Kevin Rudd, despite reports the prime minister's office has been polling MPs to gauge support for his leadership.
Climate Change Minister Penny Wong said Rudd had more than solid support.
"Kevin Rudd has the 100 per cent support of the government, of the caucus," she told ABC Radio.
"I have to say there's a lot more in the media about this than any reality."
