In the aftermath of the 1996 federal election, there was one ambitious young member of the Liberal party who was worrying, not celebrating.

Cory Bernardi​ thought he might have killed John Howard and his prime ministership, before it had a chance to get going.

Shortly before Howard was elected in March 1996, Bernardi - who was not yet a senator - and his hotelier father Leon had lunch with Christopher Pyne and Howard at Parliament House.

During the meal, the younger Bernardi spent his time "coughing and spluttering" all over Howard's Caesar salad.