Tory Myrna Driedger elected Speaker of Manitoba legislature

The longest-serving member of the Manitoba legislature has been elected as its Speaker.

Progressive Conservative Myrna Driedger was chosen by her fellow legislature members in a secret ballot.

Driedger, with support from the large Tory majority in the chamber, beat out New Democrat Mohinder Saran.

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As Speaker, Driedger will serve as referee in legislature debates and will play host to dignitaries when they visit the building.

The election of the Speaker was the first order of business as the legislature reconvened for the first time since the April 19 election.

Former Speaker Daryl Reid, a New Democrat, did not run for re-election.