Deputy prime minister Lodewijk Asscher, who is expected to announce he is challenging for the leadership of the Labour party later today, is the most popular man for the job, according to a new opinion poll.

The Maurice de Hond poll found 46% of Labour voters back Asscher and 26% support present party leader Diederik Samsom. Labour MP Jacques Monasch, who has also thrown his hat into the ring, can count on the support of 11% of party members.

Rotterdam’s mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb has refused to put his name forward, even though polls consistently show he would be by far the most popular choice among voters at large.

Meanwhile, Monasch has told website Nu.nl he wants answers about claims that a deal has been made with party bosses about how the leadership campaign should be fought.

The AD said at the weekend that Asscher only agreed to run if he had some say in how the contest would be conducted, including assurances that the focus would not be purely on Samsom.

The Labour party has also agreed to let people join the party for one month – for €2 – so they can have a vote in the contest.