For caucus there is no alternative to 'Albo'

Albanese is the clear favourite, particularly amongst Labor and Liberal voters. Plibersek is next, with strongest support amongst Greens. Kevin Rudd is well in the rear, with his best support, such as it is, from Liberal voters.

The second table is second choice for Labor leader. This confirms Albanese and Plibersek as the two front runners.

Labor caucus members have a clear choice today. They can run with the favourite, who will give them the opportunity to prove that popular opinion counts, as well as a public face of trustworthy reliability, or they can vote for Bill Shorten, which will reinforce the impression that the unions run Labor, and that it is the party for opportunists, disconnected with the broader electorate.

Of course they may decide that popular wisdom is wrong and that Shorten represents a much better long term bet, but if they do, and if their view prevails, they will have a lot of explaining to do.