Senator David Leyonhjelm has been branded "foolish" and "desperate" after making a grab for the dwindling smokers' vote by sharing a video of himself puffing on a cigar.

The crossbench senator posted the short clip to Twitter on Friday, along with the comment: "My message to Australia's smokers – the Liberal Democrats are the only party on your side."

David Leyonhjelm says he will fight tobacco taxes in the video.

Smouldering cigar in hand, Senator Leyonhjelm declares his party supports "your right to choose to smoke and will fight tobacco taxes".

The post was criticised by social media users, one of whom replied with an image of a smoker's lungs. Another wrote: "I was going to start smoking but then he persuaded me not to, what a public health legend."