With the resignation of Gareth Ward this morning, shortly before his expected expulsion from Parliament, a by-election will be needed to replace him in Parliament. The Kiama by-election should happen soon, likely in September.
I won’t be delving into the issues around Ward’s legal situation, or the potential expulsion – the focus here is entirely on the impending by-election.
Labor will fancy their chances of winning, after almost defeating Ward in 2023. The seat was Labor-held before Ward’s first win in 2011. But perhaps a Liberal candidate without Ward’s baggage or his dividing of the conservative vote could still be competitive.