Xenophon preferred premier in latest poll

Nick Xenophon is South Australia’s preferred Premier, according to a new poll.

The Adelaide Advertiser published the Galaxy poll commissioned by the banking industry.

The shock result comes after the SA senator announced he's leaving Federal politics to run for State Parliament.

The poll shows the SA Best leader is the preferred state leader with support from 41 per cent of respondents.

Premier Jay Weatherill is a long way back on 22 per cent while Liberal leader Steven Marshall is backed by 21 per cent.

The same poll shows the Liberals have 31 per cent of the primary vote, Senator Xenophon’s SA Best has 30 per cent and Labor has 26 per cent.

The Australian Bankers' Association has been quick to attack Premier Jay Weatherill since he announced the SA government's new tax on the big banks.

Senator Xenophon appeared on Channel 9 on Thursday morning.