The government has lost its 40th Newspoll as parliament resumes for the first time since the leadership coup.

Labor has maintained a 12 point lead over the Coalition after preferences.

It’s the 40th Newspoll in a row the Opposition has been in front and unless Scott Morrison can close the gap, dozens of seats could be lost at the next general election.

But despite the weak numbers, there are some bright spots for the new PM who has quickly established himself as preferred Prime Minister with a six-point advantage over Opposition leader Bill Shorten.

Today Mr Morrison faces parliament for the first time since he was elevated to the nations top job just over a fortnight ago.