Liberal MP for Coogee Bruce Notley-Smith was allegedly threatened by a man wielding a sledge hammer while he was campaigning in his seat on Saturday.

The MP was near the corner of Coogee Bay Rd and Arden St in Coogee just after 11am when David Luke Basile, 49, allegedly got out of a Holden Commodore and armed himself before threatening the politician.

A man allegedly threatened Coogee MP Bruce Notley-Smith with a sledge hammer while he was campaigning on Saturday.

NSW Police said in a statement Mr Basile then returned to his car and drove off as witnesses reported the alleged incident.

A Coogee resident who witnessed part of the incident said Labor and Liberal Party volunteers were handing out election brochures in the area before the drama unfolded.