Gladys Berejiklian, John Howard attend North Sydney candidate Trent Zimmerman’s launch

Former NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian has made an exception to her life away from the public eye by joining John Howard at the campaign launch of a Sydney candidate.

Former NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian has returned to the public eye for the first time since quitting politics to throw her support behind North Sydney Liberal candidate Trent Zimmerman.

Ms Berejiklian joined former Prime Minister John Howard to lend star power to the moderate candidate who is facing competition from Holmes a Court candidate Kylea Tink and Labor’s Catherine Renshaw.

A senior Liberal moderate revealed that Ms Berejiklian had made a long standing promise to Mr Zimmerman that she would make an appearance in his campaign.

The former premier, who stepped away from the limelight during a corruption inquiry, told attendees “I’m getting on with my life”.

She added that she won’t know the outcome of the inquiry for another year.

“It might be another year before we know.”

Gladys Berejiklian with Trent Zimmerman. Picture: Supplied

Despite her controversial exit, the former Willoughby MP was welcomed with open arms, including an embrace and welcome speech from Mr Howard.

“I do want to especially welcome Gladys Berejiklian,” Mr Howard said on stage.

Former Prime Minister John Howard welcomed Ms Berejiklian with a speech. Picture: Supplied

Gladys Berejiklian has made her first official appearance since quitting. Picture: Supplied

Mr Zimmerman added: “This is in fact the first political event she’s been to since she gave up the premiership in those circumstances we don’t need to reflect on.”

“And she actually said she was a little anxious about re-emerging. In North Sydney I know that we have an enormous challenge.”

Mr Zimmerman holds the seat by a 9.3 per cent margin.