2000 seems to be the only instance on this list.
It would not be, as, generally speaking, the term 'liberal' is not a synonym for 'left-wing' outside of the U.S, and John Howard is arguably the most right-wing leader of anyone listed here.
Yeah, outside the US, "liberal" refers to someone who favors free trade and a largely deregulated economy and would be considered in opposition to social democrats and socialists.
The difference is that in the US, our political dynamic is one of socially traditionalist liberals (Republicans) versus socially progressive liberals (Democrats).