Former Prime Minister John Howard made a special appearance at the Maitland Showground this afternoon, joining Laurence Antcliff, the Liberal candidate for Paterson, and Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor.
Howard’s visit drew significant attention, with attendees eager to hear from the former Liberal leader, who remains a respected figure in Australian politics. His presence alongside Antcliff and Taylor signals strong Liberal Party support in the region as the campaign for Paterson heats up.
Laurence Antcliff, who is vying to unseat Labor in the Paterson electorate, welcomed Howard’s endorsement, highlighting the importance of strong economic management and local investment. Angus Taylor also took the opportunity to address concerns about cost-of-living pressures, energy policy, and Labor’s handling of the economy.
The visit to the Maitland Showground underscores the Liberals’ push to connect with regional voters ahead of the next election. Howard’s legacy as Australia’s second-longest-serving Prime Minister continues to resonate with conservative voters, and his backing of Antcliff is expected to bolster the Liberal campaign in the Hunter region.
While the former Prime Minister did not make any formal policy announcements, his presence was a morale boost for local party members and supporters. With the election looming, the battle for Paterson is shaping up to be one to watch.