Felipe Calderón, widely considered the most business-friendly of Mexico’s top three candidates in July’s presidential election, is rising quickly in popularity, according to an opinion poll on Wednesday.

With campaigns officially starting on Thursday, Mr Calderón, who is running for the ruling National Action party (PAN), now commands about 31 per cent of the vote. That has moved him into second place, overtaking Roberto Madrazo, candidate for Mexico’s Ruling Institutional party (PRI) with 30 per cent.