Awkward moment Keneally and Alexander have campaign trail run-in

Things got very awkward on the first day of the Bennelong by-election campaign when Kristina Keneally, John Alexander and Julie Bishop all arrived at Eastwood Mall at exactly the same time.

Mrs Keneally arrived at the mall at 12pm, only to find opponent John Alexander had just arrived there himself.

Mr Alexander, the incumbent, and Ms Bishop, the deputy leader of the Liberal Party, were exiting a pharmacy when the former NSW premier made a beeline for them.

"Mr Alexander, good to see you," Mrs Keneally said, while shaking his hand.

"Welcome to Eastwood," Mr Alexander responded.

Mrs Keneally then used the opportunity to take a swipe at Mr Alexander, who reportedly lives 20km outside the Bennelong electorate.

"Oh, well, welcome to the area," she said.

"Kidding," she then added, putting her hand on his.

Mrs Keneally proceeded to make polite small talk for the cameras with the recently resigned MP while Ms Bishop smiled and attempted to stand on the sidelines.

Labor leader Bill Shorten yesterday announced Mrs Keneally would be running as the candidate for Bennelong in the upcoming December 16 by-election, which Mr Alexander is contesting after resigning on November 11 – a week after discovering he holds dual British citizenship.

Mr Alexander currently holds Bennelong with a swing of 10 percent but there is traditionally a swing against the government at by-elections.