The Member for Kiama, Gareth Ward, has announced he will be contesting the State Election on 25 March.

“I am standing for two reasons,” he said in a statement.

“First to continue to work hard and get things done for our community. Second, to stand up for the principles and values that are worth fighting for.”

In acknowledging the charges that are against him [Ward's hearing delayed], Mr Ward said, “I passionately believe in fairness and due process. Whilst some commentators believe the presumption of innocence is an optional extra, it isn’t. It’s a human right and fundamental to our system of justice.

“Some in the media have shifted the balance too far. I’m determined to correct this imbalance and I know my experience will eventually serve as a reminder of why a person is innocent until proven otherwise.”

The Bugle understands Liberal Party pre-selection has closed, and a candidate is expected to be announced shortly.

The other candidates for the seat are currently Kaitlin McInerney for Labor and Dr Tonia Gray for The Greens.