Federal election 2022: John Howard warns against independent vote in North Sydney

Former prime minister John Howard has intervened in the final days of election campaigning in Sydney liberal heartland, warning voters of the “disastrous” outcome of voting for teal independents.

Former prime minister John Howard has intervened in the final days of election campaigning in Sydney Liberal heartland, warning voters of the “disastrous” outcome of voting for a teal independent.

A letter box drop and recorded phone messages issued by the former Liberal prime minister was sent to voters in the North Sydney electorate on Monday in a last-minute bid to shore up support for sitting moderate Liberal member Trent Zimmerman.

Mr Zimmerman, who is running for a second term, is facing a knife edge election race led by Climate 200-backed independent Kylea Tink and Labor candidate Catherine Renshaw.

Mr Howard, in his letter, urged voters to stick with the status quo.

“I’m concerned about the consequences of voting for independents that are not being upfront about their real intention which is to bring down the Liberal government,” he wrote.

“We could end up with a hung parliament and that would mean gridlock and a government that can’t act decisively. It would be disastrous for our country.

A photo of the letter sent to North Sydney voters.

John Howard is a constituent of the electorate.

“Trent Zimmerman is a hard working local member. His defeat would deprive our community of North Sydney of an energetic servant.

“Of course the Prime Minister has his critics and that’s part of the job. However in these very uncertain times, the Liberal team is the best choice to ensure a strong future for our wonderful country.”

Mr Howard – who lives in Wollstonecraft, part of the North Sydney electorate – also urged residents against voting for Labor, writing the party had a “record of mismanagement”.

It is understood the letterbox drop was organised by campaign officials at the Liberal Party headquarters.

The letter encourages local voters to back Trent Zimmerman.

“Do you think Australia’s economy would be stronger under Mr Albanese? I don’t believe so,” he wrote.

Independent Kylea Tink said she did not believe Mr Howard’s intervention would sway undecided voters in the final days of the campaign.

“It begs the question why didn’t the current prime minister write the letter rather than a prime minister who hasn’t been around for a long time,” she said.

“This isn’t John Howard’s government any more, it’s Scott Morrison’s. That says a lot.

Labor candidate Catherine Renshaw, Liberal MP Trent Zimmerman and independent Kylea Tink. Picture: Richard Dobson

“What’s important for the people of North Sydney is for their local member to be focused on the issues important to them – climate action, integrity and addressing the fundamental issue we have around inadequately.”

Labor candidate Catherine Renshaw said the letterbox drop was the latest indication that North Sydney could no longer be seen as a safe Liberal seat.

“Early on in our campaign we said if the North Sydney Liberal team needs to think they have to call on John Howard to support them we’ll know they’re nervous. It was like our litmus test,” she said.

“To send letters like that is really something, and a sign of their desperation.”

John Howard also attended Mr Zimmerman’s campaign launch earlier this month.

Mr Zimmerman said he was happy to have the support of Mr Howard.

“John Howard is a highly respected local resident and a great Liberal. He and Gladys Berejiklian were the guests of honour at my campaign launch,” he said.

“I am delighted to have his strong support.”

Mr Howard is the latest political heavyweight making their presence felt in North Sydney with Julie Bishop, Marise Payne and Josh Frydenberg among Liberals visiting the electorate during the campaign.

Labor has meanwhile drawn on visits from Anthony Albanese, Chris Bowen and Richard Miles while Kevin Rudd is due to visit the electorate on Thursday.

A Liberal Party spokesman in a statement said: “This election is going to be close, and Mr Howard’s communication with voters draws their attention to the clear choice they have at this election.”

“Voting for an independent makes a hung parliament more likely and in these uncertain times that’s the last thing Australia need,” he added.