Dominic Perrottet refuses to rule out preferencing Gareth Ward

Former Liberal MP Gareth Ward could benefit from his old party ties, despite running as an independent.

Former Liberal Gareth Ward could still benefit from his party ties come election time, with Premier Dominic Perrottet refusing to rule out preferencing the exiled MP in March’s vote.

Mr Ward confirmed on Friday he would stand as an independent candidate for the south coast seat of Kiama later this year, despite being suspended from NSW parliament following allegations of historic sexual assault which arose last year.

Mr Ward was charged in March with indecently assaulting a 17-year-old in 2013 and sexually abusing a 27-year-old man in 2015. He denies the allegations.

When asked on Sunday if the Liberals would preference Mr Ward over Labor, therefore helping Mr Ward potentially win re-election, Mr Perrottet bulldozed past the question and insisted the Liberals would win the seat outright.

“What I’m saying in relation to that is the Liberals will be running in Kiama and we’ll be winning that seat,” Mr Perrottet said, calling the matter of preferences “internal facing issues”.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet. Picture: Gary Ramage

“I‘m not focused on that (preferences in Kiama). I’m focused on the people of Western Sydney. I’m focused on delivering the support to people right across ours state … We’re going to be running in Kiama and we’re going to win Kiama,” he said.

Nominations for the Liberals in Kiama closed on Friday, with a candidate for the party yet to be endorsed.

Kiama MP Gareth Ward. Picture: Tim Hunter.

In a statement released Friday, Mr Ward – who has held the south coast seat since 2011 – acknowledged “my current circumstances which have been well publicised”.

“I passionately believe in fairness and due process. Whilst some commentators believe the presumption of innocence is an optional extra, it isn’t,” he said.

The Liberal’s entrance will throw up a three way challenge for the seat, with union director Katelin McInerney running for Labor in the seat.

Mr Ward has plead not guilty to the charges with the matter set to go to trial after the election.

Originally published as Dominic Perrottet refuses to rule out preferencing Gareth Ward