Scott elected Deputy Speaker
BREAKING: VETERAN member for Maranoa Bruce Scott has won a vote to become Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives tonight after the dramatic resignation of Peter Slipper late today.
Mr Scott won over ALP member for Hindmarsh Steve Georganas after MPs voted in a written secret ballot close to 9pm.
The vote followed the unopposed election of ALP member for Chisholm Anna Burke as Speaker, with the job of deputy traditonally going to a member of the opposition party as it is less political.
Mr Scott was nominated by Liberal opposition frontbencher Christopher Pyne and independent member for New England Tony Windsor.
Mr Scott was recently re-endorsed as LNP candidate for Maranoa after Senator Barnaby Joyce announced he would not seek the seat for a move to the lower house, after being rumoured to have his eyes on the deputy prime ministership.
The next federal election is expected next September or October.
Ms Burke was nominated Speaker by ALP member for Capricornia Kirsten Livermore.
Mr Fisher resigned as Speaker following days of pressure over allegations of sexual misconduct involving a male staff member and emails and text messages sent to the staffer.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard described Mr Scott as one of "the parliament's gentlemen".
