Anthony Albanese’s attempts to align his leadership style with John Howard and Bob Hawke is ‘fantasyland’, Peter Dutton says.

The Opposition Leader yesterday said he would take his lead as prime minister from the former leaders.

The comments have since copped some criticism, including from Mr Howard himself.

Defence Minister Peter Dutton suggested there are former prime ministers that would serve as better comparisons.

“I know Anthony Albanese well and I know John Howard even better,” he told Ray Hadley. “Anthony Albanese is no John Howard.”

“For him to pretend to be John Howard, or a version of Bob Hawke, I mean, it’s fantasyland, Ray!

“This guy was the deputy prime minister to Kevin Rudd, he worships Kevin Rudd, he speaks to Kevin Rudd.”

The “terrifying” troupe of politicians Mr Albanese would bring to the office wasn’t lost on Ray or Mr Dutton.

“I just think it’s like getting the old band back together; this is getting the Rudd-Gillard team back together,” Mr Dutton said.

“No question if you vote for Anthony Albanese, you get Shorten and many others, but you also get Albanese.”

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