Kiama MP Gareth Ward on verge of retaining seat, according to election analyst

Kiama MP Gareth Ward has moved ahead of his Labor opponent as vote counting continues in the south coast electorate, with the development occurring as he faced court.

Kiama MP Gareth Ward has pulled ahead on Labor in the tight race for the key south coast seat. Picture: Monique Harmer

In what will go down as one of the most memorable days in south coast politics, Kiama MP Gareth Ward has pushed ahead of Labor rival Katelin McInerney by more than 600 votes in the key seat.

Mr Ward trailed Ms McInerney by a similar margin before counting resumed on Tuesday.

The Liberal-turned-independent MP faced Nowra District Court to plead not guilty to historical sexual assault charges at 10am on Tuesday, and was ahead in the count soon after addressing media 20 minutes later.

Mr Ward previously characterised the allegations against him as “politically motivated” and on Tuesday told reporters “I’m looking forward to not just winning this case, but winning the election as well”.

At the most recent count update, Mr Ward led by 613 votes or 50.8 per cent on two-candidate preferred after 79.1 per cent of the ballots had been tallied.

The numbers have been backed up by election analysts including ABC’s Antony Green who tweeted “All the inside information I have says that Gareth Wars (sic) will win Kiama”.

Member for Kiama Gareth Ward (left) campaigning at Mount Terry Public School on election day as Labor candidate Katelin McInerney turns up to vote. Picture: Jane Dempster

As it stands, there is an 11.2 per cent swing in Labor’s favour after Mr Ward won the 2019 election as a Liberal in 2019.

The Liberal’s parachute plan of dropping in ousted Holsworthy MP Melanie Gibbons to run in the seat has failed with Ms Gibbons pulling a record low return of 11.5 per cent – a 42 per cent swing against the party.

Speaking to NewsLocal on Tuesday afternoon, Mr Ward was more coy about his chances, asserting he would wait for an official outcome.

“I think it is important all of the votes are counted before anybody assumes anything,” Mr Ward said

“Let’s just wait to hear what the people have to say.”

Ms McInerney has been contacted for comment.