The BBC's Penny Roberts reports on the results of Radio 4's World at One poll

The poll by BBC Radio 4's The World at One programme shows supporters for Mr Morgan to lead the Welsh Assembly outnumbering supporters for Downing Street's choice, Welsh Secretary Alun Michael, by three to one.

A battle has broken out for the role made vacant by the resignation of the former Welsh Secretary Ron Davies, who quit after a "serious lapse of judgement on Clapham Common" last month.

Rhodri Morgan: "I'm not going to apologise for being the people's choice"

The BBC's Research Unit spoke to two-thirds of Labour's approved list of 148 candidates for the Welsh Assembly to see who they wanted as their leader.

The figures so far stand at 56 for Rhodri Morgan, 21 Alun Michael and 21 undecided and refusing to declare, with two opting for others candidates.

Mr Morgan told the BBC: "I think it's part of a pattern which is beginning to build up now of - I suppose you could describe it as a bandwagon - in my favour amongst the candidates, Labour voters and voters in general as well in Wales."

The poll comes as party chiefs meet to decide how to elect the party's new candidate to stand as Wales' first secretary.

The task force will look at the options for the leadership contest on Friday before reporting to a meeting of the Wales Labour party's executive on Monday.

Alun Michael: Candidature follows from being asked to be the Secretary for Wales

The new Welsh Secretary Alun Michael announced his intention on Thursday to run in the contest against left-winger Rhodri Morgan, who was beaten by Mr Davies in September's ballot for the post, and Welsh Euro MP Wayne David.

Mr David has urged Mr Morgan to stand aside from the race and back the "team ticket" drawn up by party chiefs which would make him deputy to Mr Michael.

Under the plan Mr David would also be a deputy to Mr Michael but Mr Morgan has flatly rejected the idea of standing down.

Wayne David: Wants to achieve maximum unity

Mr David told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "There is no doubt that Rhodri is very popular but I think the people of Wales, and the people in the Labour party in Wales, want to see the Labour party working together."

He denied that Tony Blair's choice for first secretary Mr Michael was being "parachuted" into the contest.

He said the idea for a collective leadership had actually come from senior party leaders inside Wales.

Mr David went on: "What we are saying is it would be better for everyone if we didn't have a leadership challenge which would drain people's energy at a time when we should be working together promoting the party, preparing for next year's election."

'Ruthless control freaks'

The contest for the leadership came under fire from the opposition.

Nick Bourne, chief spokesman for the Welsh Conservatives, said: "Tony Blair is frightened to death of Rhodri Morgan winning. He is too much of a free spirit and won't stay on message. The ruthless control freaks of Islington will try to fix it for Mr Michael."

Like Mr David, Mr Michael has also asked Mr Morgan to reconsider.

BBC's Bill Bush: People like to feel in local control of local candidates

Announcing his decision to seek nomination on Thursday, Mr Michael said: "We need a team approach to campaigning and preparation for the Welsh Assembly next May."

And speaking in Cardiff on Friday night, Mr Michael pushed his ambitions for the leadership.

He said the Assembly "will give us a unique opportunity for real and effective leadership".