Former Australian Idol co-host James Mathison has announced he will take on Tony Abbott in the blue ribbon stronghold of Warringah at the upcoming Federal Election.

The 38-year-old will stand as an independent in the northern beaches seat in the July 2 poll, vowing to use a social media-driven campaign in a bid to capture the youth vote.

But the Frenchs Forest resident and father-of-two has a tough task ahead of him if he is to defeat the former prime minister, who has held the seat for 22 years and has a considerable margin.