New House Speaker Tom Osborne first to be chosen by election
Despite being traditionally 'dragged' into House chamber, Osborne says he's eager for new job
The House of Assembly has elected a speaker for the first time in Newfoundland and Labrador history.
MHAs voted in Tom Osborne on Friday as the new speaker over fellow Liberal Scott Reid.
For decades the premier chose the speaker, but that rule was changed in 2003. Still, since then there's only ever been one candidate on the ballot, so there's been no need to hold a vote.
New Speaker Osborne has served as an MHA for almost 20 years, first with the Progressive Conservatives before leaving and later joining the Liberals in 2013.
The new speaker was jokingly dragged into the House chamber on Friday by Premier Dwight Ball and Opposition House Leader Keith Hutchings — a tradition borrowed from the British parliament that is practised both federally and in the Newfoundland and Labrador legislature.
Despite the ceremony, Osborne said he is not reluctant at all about taking the position.
"This is a role I've wanted for a few years now," he said on Friday after being elected. "It was no secret in the House this was the role I wanted to take on."
The HOA has been criticized in the past for heckling and interruptions, something previous new speakers have pledged to control without luck.
Osbourne said he believes this time around members are a little more open to getting along.
"Maybe at times we're going to have to be tough, but I think there is a renewed sense amongst all members of the House that we try to bring a better level of decorum."