The Liberal National Party is enjoying a spike in popularity just weeks ahead of the Queensland state election, with the party seen as the state’s most competent manager.

According to a Newspoll conducted by The Australian, the Campbell Newman-led LNP has crept ahead of the Labor Party on a two-party-preferred basis, leading 53 to 47 per cent.

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The two parties were locked at 50 per cent in the previous Newspoll.

The LNP is still seen as the better manager of Queensland’s health, economy, transport and law and order, but has lost its significant lead in these areas over its first term.

Before the 2012 election, only 26 per cent of voters thought the ALP was more capable of health management, while today 36 per cent of voters prefer the ALP.

In education, the LNP’s seven-point lead ahead of the ALP at the 2012 election is now a five-point lead.

Mr Newman said his decision to call a snap election was because he did not want months of “politicking and electioneering” which could “set Queensland back”.