Multiple outlets report fresh polling in Victoria indicating Premier Ben Carroll is trailing in preferred-leader ratings less than four months before the state election. The coverage describes the results as “warning signs” for Carroll’s position as the election approaches, based on voter preferences regarding who they would like to lead the state. While the articles focus on Carroll’s relative standing, they do not present additional policy or campaign details, and they provide limited information on broader electoral implications beyond the preferred-leader measure. The West Australian and PerthNow both frame the poll as suggesting Carroll is not the front-runner among voters when asked about state leadership preferences. The reports therefore emphasize a decline or lack of momentum in his public support compared with other potential leaders, as reflected in the new survey. The polling is presented as timely and relevant to the final stretch toward election day, highlighting potential challenges for the Premier’s campaign. No additional claims beyond the existence of the poll and Carroll’s trailing status are included in the provided summaries.