Gareth Ward to write tell-all book as he vows to fight sex charges

Suspended state government minister Gareth Ward has spoken out since facing sex charges, saying he wants to write a book about his political life as he vows to clear his name.

Suspended Liberal state government minister Gareth Ward has revealed he is considering writing a “tell-all” book about his life in politics while also not ruling out running as an independent at the next State election.

In a move that is set unsettle his political enemies, the party powerbroker who stood down as Minister on becoming the subject of a police ­investigation — he is now fighting sex assault charges which he strongly denies — said after more than 10 years as an MP there was a lot to tell.

“I am considering writing a book,” he said, before jokingly adding: “I reckon the most read part will be the index.”

The Kiama MP also said he was determined to continue his role as a voice for his constituents, having received overwhelming community support since he rejected a ­request by Premier Dominic Perrottet to quit parliament or face being removed by the government.

Mr Ward, who is a lawyer, responded at the time via an email to his constituents, which declared: “I am innocent and I intend to prove it.”

Gareth Ward is considering writing a tell-all book. Picture: Tim Hunter

The government later backtracked, instead suspending Mr Ward from ­parliament and the Liberal Party until after the court case.

Mr Ward was charged with three counts of assault with acts of indecency, and one count each of common assault and sexual intercourse without consent.

The charges relate to two alleged incidents involving a 27-year-old man in 2015, and a 17-year-old boy in 2013.

Mr Ward has not ent­ered a plea, but at the time ­declared he would instruct his lawyers to seek to bring ­matter before the courts as quickly as possible where he said he would be “demonstrating my innocence”.

It is not yet clear what the party will do if the matter is not finalised by the time it ­begins selecting candidates for the next state election, with Mr Ward not ruling out running as an independent.

Such a move would post a major headache for the ­Coalition, with Mr Ward ­increasing his margin at each election after seizing the seat from Labor in 2011.

His enormous personal vote also contributed to a victory at every local polling booth in 2019.

While not commenting on the charges, Mr Ward did have a swipe at some of his Liberal colleagues.

“I am disappointed at some of these conservative MPs who seem to have trashed the presumption of innocence,” he said.

Mr Ward was visiting flood affected areas last week and said he was still working closely with government officials.

“I’m proud of what I have achieved and there is still much more to be done,” he said.

“People put their trust in me for a four-year term and I intend to serve a four-year term.”