John Howard praises PM Scott Morrison, while slamming teal independent candidates as ‘anti-Liberal groupies’

John Howard has warned of China’s “aggressive stance” while outlining what he sees as the biggest challenges facing the next government.

Former prime Minister John Howard has taken a swipe at the so-called “teal” independents, saying they are really just “anti-Liberal groupies”.

Speaking in his former seat of Bennelong, Mr Howard attacked the independent candidates, who are placing pressure on the Coalition in several blue ribbon seats across the country in the lead up to the May 21 federal election.

Many use a teal colour palette – hence the name “teal independents” – and are demanding greater action on climate change and a federal anti-corruption commission.

But Mr Howard said they were not genuine in their motives.

Former prime minister John Howard says the ‘teal’ candidates are not genuine. Photo: SKY news

“These men and women are all posing as independents,” Mr Howard said during an address to support party candidate Simon Kennedy on Saturday.

“They’re not independents, they’re anti-Liberal groupies.

“They’re anti Liberal.”

Mr Howard said if the candidates were genuine they would also run in Labor seats.

“If they were genuinely independent why wouldn’t they run a candidate against Anthony Albanese in Grayndler or Tanya Plibersek in Sydney?” he said.

“Why wouldn’t they run a candidate in one of the safe Labor seats in Melbourne?

“The only consequence of a victory for one of these will be to reduce the prospects of the Liberal Party forming the next government. It’s as simple as that.”

John Howard made his NSW campaign debut on Saturday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Simon Bullard

Mr Howard said anyone cranky with the Liberal party who thought they’d punish it by voting for one of these independents - believing they represented disgruntled Liberals - should not believe them.

“They don’t represent disgruntled Liberals. They represent a group in the community that wants to destroy the Liberal government. It’s as simple that,” Mr Howard said.

“That is why they’re running in seats like Wentworth, and North Sydney and Mackellar and Goldstein in Victoria.

“That’s something that has to be kept very much in mind.”

Mr Howard praised Scott Morrison as a Prime Minister with a “mastery of the details of government” and made a lighthearted reference to his defence of Anthony Albanese after the Opposition Leader failed to correctly state the unemployment rate.

“Being in charge of the government isn’t easy ... you have got to know at least roughly what the unemployment rate is,” he said.

The comment was met with laughter from the friendly crowd at the Ryde-Eastwood Leagues Club.

John Howard spoke on a range of issues as he campaigned for the Liberals in Ryde, NSW. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Simon Bullard

Mr Howard said Russia‘s invasion of Ukraine, which he described as “criminal” and having “terrible consequences around the world”, was one of the key challenges facing the Australian government, alongside the coronavirus pandemic, economic pressures and ”the more aggressive stance taken by China”.

But he also said he'd never forgotten the time in October 2003 when both the presidents of the US and China, George W. Bush and Hu Jintao, addressed a joint meeting of MPs and senators in Canberra.

“That was a sign to me, to the Australian people and to the world, that Australia can have close and friendly relations with both of those nations,” Mr Howard said.

Liberal candidate Simon Kennedy, who is hoping to retain the Bennelong seat as sitting member John Alexander retires, said he was honoured to have Mr Howard supporting him.

“It’s great to have Mr Howard’s endorsement, his advice and mentorship,” he told NCA NewsWire.

About his chances of winning the seat, he said: “I do know the community, but I’m taking nothing for granted. All I want is to get to know them and represent them and their concerns.”

Originally published as John Howard praises PM Scott Morrison, while slamming teal independent candidates as ‘anti-Liberal groupies’