A Liberal power broker is backing independent Gareth Ward, who could scupper Labor’s hopes of forming a majority Government.

Mr Ward is only a few hundred votes behind Labor’s Katelin McInerney as counting continues in the seat of Kiama.

With as many as eight seats in doubt, the outcome of Kiama could determine whether Labor has a majority.

Ahead of Mr Ward’s court appearance today on sex charges, influential Liberal Michael Photios has told Ben Fordham, Mr Ward is innocent until proven guilty.