Labor is now the favourite to win the next election in Western Australia, opening up a six-point lead over the Barnett government on two-party preferred terms, the latest Newspoll shows.

For the first time since Colin Barnett came to power in 2008, Labor is in an election-winning position with a primary vote of 42 per cent, up from 33 per cent six months ago, according to the poll published in The Australian.

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Previously the ALP’s primary vote had not risen above 35 per cent under Mark McGowan’s leadership.

The poll, conducted over the last three months, shows Labor holds a lead of 53 per cent to 47 per cent over the Barnett government on a two-party preferred basis.

The survey also shows that Mr McGowan remains preferred premier by a margin of 41 per cent to 36 per cent.

The next West Australian election is due in March next year.