NSW MP Gareth Ward tipped to hold onto Kiama seat amid sexual assault charges and potential parliamentary suspension

Controversial Liberal-turned-independent MP Gareth Ward is expected to hold his seat of Kiama amid an ongoing court battle over sexual assault charges.

ABC election analyst Antony Green has projected the former minister would be re-elected to the South Coast seat.

With just over 79 per cent of the vote counted, Mr Ward has the lead on his Labor opponent Katelin McInerney by 615 votes.

Tallying of pre-poll and postal votes along with the distribution of preferences pushed the count in his favour in the last few days, after Labor took an early lead in the contest.

Ms McInerney has called the independent MP to concede.

“As the counting continues it has become clear that Labor will not win the seat of Kiama,” she wrote in a post on her Facebook page.

“While the result is disappointing, I am incredibly proud of the positive and disciplined campaign we have run to give both Kiama and NSW a fresh start.  

“While we will not get across the line in Kiama, I am glad that the people of NSW voted for a Fresh Start and I look forward to a new Labor government delivering for our community.”

Mr Ward is currently in an ongoing trial for several sexual assault and indecency charges, which he has pled not guilty to.

He was suspended from parliament last March after news of the charges came to light and had been sitting as an independent since the allegations – which he strenuously denies – were first aired in 2020.

His suspension automatically ended when the government entered caretaker mode prior to the election, meaning the new government would have to pass a new motion to re-suspend him.

A parliamentary committee last May recommended the MP be allowed to keep his salary and electorate office until a verdict in his trial was handed down as to afford Mr Ward the presumption of innocence.

New NSW Premier Chris Minns has indicated he would support a motion to suspend the MP from parliament again but is yet to confirm this now that Mr Ward has been re-elected.

The Premier’s office has been contacted for comment.