KRISTINA Keneally has cornered John Alexander in an awkward meeting on the campaign trail for the Bennelong by-election, and told the former MP: “welcome to the area”.

The Labor and Liberal candidates both happened to be at Eastwood mall at midday to talk to shoppers and the media.

Mr Alexander was joined by Foreign Minister Julie Bishop.

Ms Keneally, the former NSW Premier who announced on Tuesday she will contest the seat, soon found the pair leaving a pharmacy.

“Welcome to the area,” she told Mr Alexander, who sold his Putney house last year to move outside the electorate with his partner in the eastern suburbs.

media_camera Awkward moment between Kristina Keneally and John Alexander with Julie Bishop

Ms Keneally lives at Hunters Hill, and is marginally outside the electorate.

She was clearly more at ease during the impromptu meeting, as an amused media and shoppers looked on.

Mr Alexander joked that his opponent seemed to be stalking him.

He then told Ms Keneally: “you should join our party and find out how much fun it is.

The former Sky News commentator replied: “I think your party is having way too much fun at the moment.

“I’ll stick with civility and unity.”

Mr Alexander was not to be outdone: “it’s more fun in government than opposition”, he said.

“We’ll see how that goes for you,” Ms Keneally said.

Both candidates then wished each other a good day before continuing their walks.

The by-election is on December 16.