John Howard gets rock star welcome while campaigning in Reid with Fiona Martin

Former Prime Minister John Howard has been treated to a rock star welcome in the federal seat of Reid this morning as he campaigned alongside a first-time liberal candidate.

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Former Prime Minister John Howard has been treated to a rock star welcome in the federal seat of Reid this morning as he campaigned alongside first-time liberal candidate Fiona Martin.

Mr Howard was full of energy as he cracked jokes about Labor’s negative gearing reforms and tax plans while walking along Burwood Rd in Sydney’s inner west.

John Howard joins Liberal candidate for the seat of Reid, Fiona Martin on the campaign trail in Westfield Burwood. Picture: Toby Zerna

Isabella and Alessia post with the former prime minister and Fiona Martin. Picture: Toby Zerna

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“It’s a bit quiet here,” one woman said to the former Liberal leader after shaking his hand.

Mr Howard replied that it would get even quieter under a Labor government.

“Well it’s going to get even quieter under these negative gearing (changes),” Mr Howard said.

The 79-year-old, who spent his final year in office in 2007, darted from foot treatment stores to the waiting rooms of dentistry businesses spruiking his party’s rookie candidate.

He even jumped on to a packed bus to encourage the commuters to support Mrs Martin.

Mr Howard and Mrs Martin went all across Burwood meeting locals. Picture: Toby Zerna

The seat was previously held by Craig Laundy before he retired from politics. Picture: Toby Zerna

“She will represent you well … Very energetic,” Mr Howard said

Strathfield man Robert Barkhos, 59, responded “if you say she’s good, she’s good”.

Mr Howard was trailed by a small army of Liberal voters who wore blue shirts and hoisted election pamphlets in the direction of any passers by who made eye contact.

“We missed you mate,” one voter said to the former prime minister.

“Scott’s looking after you well,” he replied.

The seat of Reid was held by Craig Laundy until he retired earlier this year.

Originally published as John Howard gets rock star welcome while campaigning in Reid with Fiona Martin