Photo of Anthony Albanese’s partner reveals Labor leader’s secret weapon

A brief but telling moment during Anthony Albanese’s election campaign has revealed a major advantage for the Labor leader.

There’s no doubt Anthony Albanese’s election campaign got off to a bruising start – but he could have a secret weapon up his sleeve in the form of his new partner, Jodie Haydon.

The public’s fascination with the blonde 43-year-old has been clear ever since the couple spoke out about their previously low profile, two-year relationship in a February Women’s Weekly feature.

So far, her appearances on the campaign trail have been relatively limited, with Ms Haydon touring the Royal Easter Show with Albo before his official campaign kicked off, and then only popping up again in Queensland on Saturday and accompanying him to a handful of photo ops, including winning over residents of an aged care facility in Bundaberg.

Anthony Albanese at the Sydney Royal Easter Show with partner Jodie Haydon and farmer James Kemp before the election campaign really kicked off. Picture: Monde Photography on behalf of RAS of NSW

Albo and Jodie met residents of the Bolton Clarke Fairways Retirement Living and Residential Aged Care in Bundaberg and handed out Easter eggs over the weekend. Picture: Toby Zerna

But on Easter Sunday, a sweet moment between Ms Haydon and Reverend Rosemary Wynter – whose community of Bangalow in the NSW Northern Rivers region was battered by the recent devastating floods – revealed just how much of an asset she could turn out to be.

Media accompanying the would-be PM’s campaign noticed the pair seemed to strike up an instant connection, with Ms Haydon seen comforting Rev Wynter before the pair hugged at the end of their meeting.

Jodie Haydon had an ‘instant rapport’ with Reverend Rosemary Wynter, whose community of Bangalow was affected by floods recently. Picture: Alexis Carey

Ms Haydon has only made a few appearances on the campaign trail so far – but she could be a major asset for Albo. Picture: Toby Zerna

It was a rare display of spontaneous warmth during the relentless campaign, which has so far been somewhat overshadowed by a few clumsy missteps from Mr Albanese, and which has just copped a fresh blow after a damning new poll revealed Labor’s primary vote had dropped by four points.

But his charismatic partner’s star power could give his campaign the shot in the arm it clearly needs, with Rev Wynter telling news.com.au she was struck by Ms Haydon’s compassion and ability to connect with everyday Aussies, adding that she believed she would be an asset to the Labor leader.

“She’s very natural to speak with, very down to earth and very caring, and she was asking me how I’m going,” Rev Wynter said.

Ms Haydon, pictured with Albo on the Esplanade in Cairns, has been poised and upbeat during public appearances and seems to be handling the pressures of being suddenly thrust under the spotlight. Picture: Toby Zerna

“I just instantly felt a great rapport with her and felt that she clearly notices and cares and certainly has her finger on the pulse of people’s feelings and perhaps of that extra awareness of people’s journey and why they’re in a certain place at a certain time … it’s a gift that she has.

“Absolutely she’ll be an amazing asset (to Mr Albanese).”

Media following Mr Albanese’s campaign have also noticed that Ms Haydon appeared relaxed, upbeat and poised during her few public appearances so far, and seemed to be handling the pressure of being suddenly thrust under the spotlight well, despite having only been in the public eye for a short period of time with little previous experience of just how difficult such a position could be.

The couple’s relationship has previously been relatively low-profile. Picture by Damian Shaw

Public relations expert Nicole Reaney told news.com.au that history had shown that political partners “do have an influence” on the public’s overall opinion of a politician.

“And let’s face it, some partners have ended or tarnished a politician’s career,” she said. “Genuine and down to earth qualities are at the opposite spectrum of what people perceive in the political landscape, and will definitely win the public over.”

Ms Reaney said so far on the campaign trail, Ms Haydon appeared to be “supportive” of the Labor leader and “not overly forward or opinionated” – and that her personal qualities coupled with the element of mystery over her and the couple’s relatively new relationship was an advantage for Mr Albanese.

“This element of intrigue invites people to get to know her over time,” she explained.

“There have been many politicians’ partners who ‘try too hard’ and want to win some of that spotlight for themselves.

“Jodie’s character enables the public to warm to her.”

Originally published as Photo of Anthony Albanese’s partner reveals Labor leader’s secret weapon