Lib Canning candidate 'not born to rule'

Liberal candidate for Canning Andrew Hastie denies he has a born-to-rule attitude.

The former SAS captain, who moved out of defence housing in Swanbourne, admits he wasn't even born in the electorate.

But he says his military background makes him the best candidate for the upcoming by-election.

His comments at the opening of a local business premises on Wednesday came a day after Labor deputy leader Tanya Plibersek accused of running for President of Canning.

"If that means I care about the people and their issues, and not gossip from Canberra, than I will wear that as a badge of honour," Mr Hastie said.

Mr Hastie also took aim at Labor candidate Matt Keogh, a lawyer who grew up in the Canning area and recently moved back there from Mt Lawley.

"My opponent across the road has a sign up that says Born in Canning," he said.

"Now I don't take a born to rule attitude at all when it comes to this campaign.

"While he may have been born here in the electorate he chose to move out while I have chosen to move in."