Liberal Boothby candidate Dr Rachel Swift campaigns in teal as Howard goes to Mitcham

John Howard has flown in to help the woman charged with saving SA’s most marginal seat for his party – but it was a colourful detail raising eyebrows in Boothby.

The so-called “teal” independents are threatening the Coalition’s hopes of victory, but Liberal Boothby candidate Rachel Swift appears fond of the colour judging by her own election material.

Dr Swift has employed what she referred to as “a range of colours” in her election campaign, rather than strictly keeping to the traditional Liberal blue.

But she’s leaving it up to others to decide if any of the colours are teal.

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“I believe they’re all in the blue palette, but apparently that’s more subjective,” Dr Swift said.

Dr Swift also barely refers to her membership to the Liberal party throughout her campaign material.

John Howard on a shopping centre walk with Rachel Swift this morning at the Mitcham Shopping Centre Picture: Kelly Barnes

In her extensive, nine-page election pamphlet handed out to prospective voters, Dr Swift only mentions the word “Liberal” four times, one of which is on the back of the booklet in smaller font.

Her material highlights her name as Dr Rachel Swift, rather than her capacity as a Liberal candidate. Dr Swift said she had “never shied away from the fact that I’m part of the Liberal team. That’s on all my material.”

The “teal” independents are a group of 22 candidates who have received funding from political activist group Climate 200.

Former prime minister John Howard has been very open about their threat to the Liberal Party.

Dr Rachel Swift - Liberal for Boothby brochure

Dr Rachel Swift’s teal-coloured material.

“They’re not independent. They’re anti-Liberal groupies, it’s as plain as the nose on your face” Mr Howard said, while campaigning with Dr Swift in Boothby on Thursday.

“Their objective is to destroy the Liberal government.”

Mr Howard also had a message for any Liberal supporters who believe that voting for independents could somehow “correct” the government, saying they can “forget it”. “If they start winning seats, the Liberal government will fail,” he said.

John Howard on a shopping centre walk with Rachel Swift this morning at the Mitcham Shopping Centre. Picture: Kelly Barnes

“Why wouldn’t they (the independents) run a candidate against Anthony Albanese or Tanya Plibersek, or (Mark) Butler here in Adelaide? They hold safe Labor seats.

“There’s a reason they’re not running against Labor sitting members – they want to destroy the Liberal government.”

Mr Howard said Dr Swift had “the right attitude” to win Boothby, where the Liberal’s margin has been eroded to just 1.4 per cent.

“I think she’s a great member if she wins, but she’s not counting the chickens before they hatch. She’s working hard to win.”