Kiama Independent MP Gareth Ward lived by the slogan of “works hard, gets results” during his time as the state member for the electorate.

But if you look at his track record of delivering on major projects, there is plenty of evidence to suggest he did not live up to this slogan.

Since he left the Liberals in 2022, he has been persona non grata with both major parties in NSW and despite enjoying a reputation as a popular local member, he has made plenty of enemies on the Illawarra and South Coast political scene.

Well-placed sources told The Bugle that he would often take credit for major infrastructure projects that he had played little or no role in delivering as part of a broader pattern of “illusion over substance”.

One such example was the $580 million Foxground and Berry Bypass, which opened in 2017, as one of several key projects claimed by Ward that were locked in long before he was elected.

Ward has repeatedly claimed three key big-ticket projects as his own.

In February 2024, he said: “Never would I ever have thought we would secure the Gerringong upgrade, the Berry Bypass and the Albion Park Rail Bypass.”

On Instagram, he once wrote: “When I make a promise, I always get it done.

“I’m always up for a fight, but outcomes are what count.”

He then had green ticks next to the Gerringong upgrade, Berry Bypass and Albion Park Rail Bypass.

But each of these upgrades had been initiated under previous Labor governments, including years of planning and land acquisition.

The $630 million Albion Park Rail Bypass was funded during the Coalition’s term, but its alignment and key groundwork also began under Labor.

A polarising figure, several sources have criticised Ward’s conduct in office.

One described him as “rude and dismissive” towards public servants and community members “who didn’t serve his interests”.

In 2018, former Gilmore MP Ann Sudmalis accused Ward of “bullying and betrayal” in a speech to Federal Parliament.

She alleged a sustained campaign of branch-stacking, leaking and intimidation, accusing Ward of targeting strong Liberal women.

Sudmalis declined to comment when contacted by The Bugle about Ward’s conviction.

Ward’s predecessor, Matt Brown, said it was “not appropriate” for him to comment about the fallen Kiama MP given he was appealing his conviction.

And while Ward managed to retain the seat of Kiama at the 2023 election, his popularity with the voters took a massive hit after he had been charged by police the previous year.

As an independent, he suffered a swing of 11.2 per cent against him to turn what had been a stranglehold on the seat into a marginal victory over Labor rival Katelin McInerney.

Labor Party sources told The Bugle that Ward’s popularity in the southern parts of the electorate, near his home in Meroo Meadow, carried him across the finish line with a 50.8% share of the vote after preferences.

He was second to Labor in Kiama and in the northernmost part of the electorate in Albion Park where residents said they rarely saw Ward and that he had failed to deliver on a range of infrastructure promises.

Now that he has resigned, there will be a by-election in the coming months following Ward's injunction against the NSW Parliament being dismissed.

He will face Court again on 19 September for sentencing.